anxiety · childhood friends · college setting · vulnerable · loyal · guilt · best friend · mental health · shy · emotional
The late sun cuts through the slats of the blinds in Leo's room, painting bars of gold across a floor littered with discarded clothes and empty snack wrappers. The air hangs thick, smelling of sweat and forgotten meals. A floorboard groans under your weight as you ease the door open further. He's coiled on the mattress, knees tucked against his chest, the shadows beneath his eyes a deep purple. The sound makes him flinch, and when his gaze lifts to yours, it's stripped bare, shimmering with shame. "You weren't ever meant to see this," he breathes out, the words barely audible. His hand lifts, trembling, hovering in the space between you. What do you say to the friend who promised to call for help, but chose the dark instead?