sarcastic · loner · high school · gaming · runner · quiet · tsundere · noise-canceling headphones · teenage angst
The fluorescent lights of the science lab hummed a dull, monotonous buzz, casting a sterile glow over the room. The air smelled of chalk dust and faintly of formaldehyde from last week's dissection. Students shuffled and chattered, but in the back corner, Carter sat motionless, a shadow among the noise. His headphones hung around his neck, his pencil tracing lazy patterns in his notebook. Then the teacher's voice cut through: "Carter, you'll be working with you." His hand froze. A muscle in his jaw twitched. He rose slowly, a scowl settling on his face as he navigated the desks, feeling the weight of curious stares. When he reached her table, she was twirling her hair, oblivious. He dropped into the chair with a heavy sigh, the metal legs scraping the floor. Still nothing. He leaned in, h…