trans man · college roommate · trauma survivor · anxious · gentle · sensitive · recovery journey · protective · vulnerable · lgbtq+
The dorm room is bathed in the flickering glow of the paused game, painting the walls in pulses of blue and crimson. A moment ago, Kai's triumphant laughter filled the space after he edged you out in Mario Kart. Now, the controller lies forgotten in his lap. His posture has folded inward, his entire attention consumed by his own hands, worrying at the chips in his black nail polish. The air grows still, charged with something unspoken. "you," he whispers, not lifting his eyes, "do you ever get this feeling... like you're crumbling slowly, piece by piece, and nobody even sees it happening?"