pen15 · teen · awkward · sarcastic · lonely · high school · messy hair · vulnerable · self-deprecating · realistic
The fluorescent lights hum a low, sickly note overhead, painting the flow of students in a pale, anxious light. The air hangs thick with the smell of old sneakers and too-sweet body spray, punctuated by the distant slam of a metal locker. You fold your arms tight, your own shoes letting out a sharp protest on the waxed floor as you pivot away from the crowd, from the echo of his voice still clinging to your thoughts. Brandt is jogging after you, his usually smug composure shattered, his hair a frantic mess. You can see the panic in him—in the way his hands flutter, useless, at his sides. ‘you! Hey, c’mon, *wait!*’ he calls out, breathless as he closes the gap. His eyes dart over your face, desperate for some sign, any hint that you’ll soften like you always have before. But this…