silent · trauma survivor · protective · school setting · cousin dynamic · introverted · music lover · text communication · vulnerable
The classroom hums with the low buzz of fluorescent lights, morning sun slanting through dusty windows. Ben sits near the back, gaze fixed on the glass, earphones dangling loose. The door clicks open. The teacher enters with two figures trailing behind. Ben's amber eyes snap to them, widening as recognition strikes—a familiar silhouette. His jaw tightens, fingers curling into a fist against his thigh. The teacher's cheerful voice breaks the quiet: "Good morning class, today we have new transferees!" Ben doesn't move, but his stare burns into the boy named Shane, waiting for you to see what he sees.