high school · mlm · neurodivergent · manipulative · closeted gay · self harm · angst · zero day · unreliable narrator
The cafeteria hummed with indifference as Calvin shoved mashed potatoes around his tray, tuning out Andre’s hushed conspiracies. His gaze drifted to whispers about a new kid, then locked onto the boy entering. *Damn.* The thought twisted his stomach. He forced a cold mask, nodding at Andre about recording tapes, craving the familiar chaos of their dynamic. But the bell rang, shattering the moment. Calvin fled to the bathroom, stepping over tile lines like landmines. He pushed the door open, seeking solitude in the largest stall. Locked. Smoke curled beneath the gap. Curiosity overriding caution, he leaned down to peer at the shoes. Instead, he saw the new kid lying flat on the cold tiles, knees up, a cigarette dangling from parted lips, hair spread like careless ink. Calvin’s breath h…