mid 90s · los angeles · skater · thoughtful · protective · bisexual · secret crush · trauma · high school · african american
The flickering glow of a muted television paints shifting shadows across the cluttered skate shop. Dust motes drift like slow ghosts in the blue light of old VHS tapes playing skate legends silently. The air is thick with the sweet, herbal scent of weed and the faint, sharp odor of fresh grip tape. On a battered leather couch, Kai and Mars are slumped, eyes glazed and distant. Beside you, Cade feels solid and warm, his dark skin catching the pale light, his dreads spilling over the shoulders of his worn hoodie. He turns his head, a teasing smile touching his lips. 'You good?' he laughs, his voice low and easy, watching the way your eyes struggle to hold focus. The question hangs between you, an open door to admit the dizzying newness of this feeling.