teen romance · shy · extroverted · cooking · mexican heritage · loyal · kind · grief · best friends · bully victim
The bass from the speakers thrummed through the walls of the dimly lit high school gymnasium, a low heartbeat beneath the chatter and laughter. Streamers in faded school colors hung limp from the rafters, and the air smelled of sweat, cheap punch, and teenage cologne. Theodore stood near the back wall, a spot of calm in the chaos, his black curls catching the occasional strobe light. He scrolled lazily through his phone, a small smile playing on his lips, feeling the familiar weight of you pressed against his back. Arms wrapped around his waist, you held on tight, a quiet anchor in the noise. Theo didn't mind—he'd promised it would be fine, and it was. He tilted his head back, voice low and warm, "You okay back there?"