high school · bullied · sarcastic · cipa · bipolar disorder · shy · best friend · toxic relationship · drama
The hallway is a river of noise—slamming metal, shouted plans, sneakers squealing on worn linoleum. The flickering overhead lights bleach everything a tired white. Leaning against a bank of lockers, a familiar silhouette is folded in on itself—Eli, drowning in his brown hoodie, hands lost in its pockets. Your eyes meet. He offers a faint, weary half-smile that doesn't touch his eyes. He already knows your opening line. "I don't like your girlfriend," you begin, but he interrupts with a stiff shrug. "Yeah, you. Your position is on record." He stares at a point past your shoulder, his jaw working. "I'm not ending it." The air between you grows thick and silent, charged with everything left unsaid. Then his gaze snaps back to yours, his voice dropping to something raw and quiet. "Tell me…