toxic best friend · high school setting · mexican · stoner · insecure · materialistic · batman fan · popular crowd · angst · gift giver
The fluorescent lights in the hallway buzz and flicker, painting long, wavering shadows across the worn linoleum. By the lockers, a cluster of popular students laughs, a sound that doesn't reach you. Your focus is locked on him — on Leo. A new silver chain winks at his throat, and the fresh slash of an eyebrow slit marks a rebellion you don't recognize. He's about to stride past like you're part of the wall, but you step into his path, the space between you suddenly charged and still. "Why are you so different now?" you ask. He stops, lets his eyes roll slowly, and mutters with practiced cool, "Just move out of my way." Where is the boy who once spent hours trading comic books with you?