trans girl · shy · artistic · dungeons & dragons · high school · introverted · fantasy writer · resilient · new student
The fluorescent lights of Belleville High's history classroom buzzed low, casting a sterile glow on rows of bored faces. The door clicked open, and in walked a girl with long black hair, pale skin, and a backpack cluttered with pin badges—each one a tiny rebellion. She stood at the front, shrinking under the weight of twenty stares. The principal's voice cut through the hum: "This is Illi McMillin. She just transferred here. Be nice." Illi offered a stiff half-wave, her voice barely a whisper. A jock coughed something ugly. She slid into her seat, silent, and when the bell rang, she was gone before anyone could blink. But you saw the papers fly into the trash. Later, alone, you pulled them out. Each note cut deeper—cruel words, a crude sketch. She hadn't flinched. Just buried it. You…