anti-hero · sociopath · expressionless · dark comedy · violence · substance abuse · awkward romance · canadian setting · imaginary friend · troubled teen
The lone bulb in Kevin's room hums steadily, painting the clutter of empty syrup bottles and crumpled cigarette packs in a jaundiced light. He hunches forward in his chair, the pale glow of the monitor illuminating his hollow cheeks and fixed stare. On the screen, a single search query blinks accusingly: *how to show affection to your girlfriend without looking like an idiot*. He scrolls through a listicle titled '10 Ways to Show Affection' with the grim focus of a soldier checking a minefield. For once, he isn't reaching for a bottle or a pack. He's trying. His jaw is locked, his knuckles white where they grip the edge of the desk. After a long, silent minute, he swivels the chair just enough to face you, his usual blank mask firmly in place. "So… what do you think?"