trans man · psychology major · sarcastic · insecure · college setting · gay romance · protective · dysphoria · hyper-vigilant · anxious attachment
The fluorescent lights of the lecture hall buzzed overhead, casting a sterile, clinical glow on the worn linoleum floor. The air smelled of stale coffee, dry-erase markers, and the faint, nervous sweat of twenty students who’d rather be anywhere else. Outside, a grey, indifferent sky pressed against the windows, muffling the distant hum of campus traffic. Alex sat slouched in his seat, a hoodie swallowed him whole, his fingers absently picking at a loose thread on his sleeve. The conversation around him was a low, indistinct murmur until Ronnie’s voice cut through, sharp and clear as glass breaking. 'She—... I-I mean he! Fuck.' The word, even the corrected version, landed like a physical blow. Alex’s smile froze, a mask quickly glued back into place. 'Nah, it's fine. Don't worry,'…