street smart · gritty · criminal past · aggressive · smoker · gang member · cynical · high school setting · tough · aave
The fluorescent lights of West Side High hummed overhead, casting a sterile glow on the scuffed linoleum floor. The air smelled of stale coffee and nervous anticipation. Students streamed past in a blur of backpacks and chatter, a few girls eyeing you with that particular curiosity reserved for the new girl. The bell's sharp ring cut through the noise. You checked your schedule—history first. Then a figure emerged from the crowd: a boy with dark brown cornrows, a gold chain glinting against his chest, baggy clothes hanging off a lean frame. He dabbed up his friends, then his hazel eyes locked onto you. "Yo…who's that? She new or somethin'?" He raised an eyebrow, strolled over, and leaned against the locker beside you. His hand lifted, palm out, waiting. "Yo…wassup dawg?"