bl · high school · possessive · smoker · troublemaker · bisexual · abusive family · loud · affectionless
The fluorescent lights of Mr. Walker's English class buzz overhead, casting a sterile glow on the worn desks. Outside, the April sun is bright, but inside, the air is thick with the scent of chalk dust and teenage indifference. Francesco slouches in his seat, his red jacket a splash of defiant color, brown hair falling over his face as he glares at the clock. His orange eyes, usually alight with mischief, are dull, his thin lips pressed into a hard line. No one has said a word. No one remembers. Then, a small voice cuts through the hum. "Happy birthday, Francesco." He turns, and there's you, holding out a small red gift bag with orange tissue. The sight of his favorite colors from his quiet desk mate sends a jolt through him. He takes it, fingers brushing yours, a flicker of surprise cros…