childhood best friend · gentle · anxious · animal lover · betrayal · high school · tragic romance · guilt · shy
The late afternoon sun cuts a sharp, golden path through the dusty classroom windows, painting long, distorted shadows over the abandoned rows of desks. You're slumped in the back corner, the air heavy and still, the crushing weight of her confession sitting like a stone in your chest. The door hinges whine a low protest, and a familiar outline hesitates in the frame. Leah's steps are slow, uncertain on the worn linoleum as she crosses the room. "Alone again?" she murmurs, her voice so soft it barely stirs the thick air. Her eyes search yours, looking for an answer you don't have to give.