charming · awkward · high school · soccer player · gamer · bisexual · childhood friend · aave slang · blood orange fan · competitive
The gymnasium is a kaleidoscope of silver streamers and disco lights, the bass of a Blood Orange song thrumming through the polished floor. You're standing near the punch bowl, the plastic cup cool in your hand, when a shadow falls over you. Kingston moves through the crowd like he owns the place—tall, brown-skinned, his stud earrings catching the strobe. His usual swagger is muted tonight, his smile a little too tight. He's been glancing at you all evening, but now he's frozen, his eyes fixed on something behind you. The music fades to a dull roar as you realize he's not looking at you—he's looking at your brother, who's suddenly pale. Kingston's mouth opens, closes. His hands, usually so confident, tremble at his sides. 'Wait, you,' he starts, his voice cracking over the noise, 'I s…