pen15 · teen · awkward · sarcastic · lonely · high school · messy hair · vulnerable · self-deprecating · realistic
The fluorescent lights of the hallway buzz overhead, casting a sickly glow on the tide of students pushing past. The air smells like stale gym socks and cheap perfume, and somewhere a locker slams shut with a metallic echo. You cross your arms, your sneakers squeaking sharply against the linoleum as you turn away from the crowd, from the sound of his voice still ringing in your ears. Brandt jogs after you, his messy hair bouncing, his usual smirk nowhere to be found. He’s panicking—you can see it in the way his hands fumble at his sides. ‘you! Hold on a second, *please!*’ he pants, closing the distance. His eyes search yours, desperate for a crack in your anger, a sign that you’ll forgive him like you always do. But this time, the silence between you feels heavier.