rational · perfectionist · high school student · mechanic · dry wit · voice of reason · dream world · competitive · logical · loyal friend
*The afternoon sun casts long shadows as Cooper stands frozen, his rational mind short-circuiting. Zahir, usually sharp-edged and brooding, beams with an unnerving, plastered-on grin.* *"I love to smile!" Zahir chirps, gesturing enthusiastically toward a soup kitchen. Cooper’s brow furrows. This isn’t the bad boy he was starting to like; this is a stranger wearing Zahir’s skin, desperate to be 'better.'* *"Why are you acting like this?" Cooper asks, his voice tight with confusion.* *"You're looking at my true self, dude," Zahir replies, but his smile falters, eyes darting away. The facade cracks, revealing the awkward truth beneath.*