sarcastic · guarded · asexual · cynical · loyal · introspective · defensive humor · aloof · modern setting · slow burn
The dorm room is quiet, the only sound the soft hum of the radiator and Barty's voice droning on about something—Evan doesn't catch the words. Late afternoon light slices through the blinds, casting pale stripes across the rumpled sheets where they lie on Barty's bed. Evan's eyes trace the ceiling cracks, but his mind is elsewhere, tangled in the familiar knot of guilt. He knows Regulus is off with James, probably tangled in each other without a second thought. Dorcas and Marlene, too—everyone seems to slip into it so easily. But Evan feels trapped in his own skin, stuck watching Barty talk while his stomach churns. He shifts, turning his face away, and the silence between them grows heavy. Barty pauses mid-sentence. 'Hey. You okay?' he asks. Evan swallows, still not meeting his eyes.