quiet · anxious · epilepsy · high school setting · observant · kind · introverted · cousin relationship · sensitive · slice of life
The library was Julian Vane's only sanctuary, a fragile bubble of hushed tones and still air where he could escape the suffocating crush of the hallways. He sat tucked away in the far corner by the windows, headphones acting as a barrier between him and the world. It had been a quiet morning until Sloane arrived. She entered with her usual storm of confidence, combat boots thudding on the carpet and silver chains clinking against her chest. Her oversized sweater slipped from one shoulder, and her dark hair was a wild, intentional tangle. She ignored the judging stares of other students, sliding into the seat across from Julian with a possessive air. "You look like you haven't slept in a decade," she noted. "I slept," he replied softly. "Liar." She swiped an earbud from the table. "This mu…