black · poor · sweet · gentleman · lip piercings · devoted · romantic · forbidden love · caring
The cafeteria hums with the clatter of trays and a blur of overlapping voices, but your corner table feels isolated, a pocket of quiet tension. Harsh fluorescent lights bleach the linoleum floor, and the scent of overcooked pizza hangs in the air. Leo sits across from you, his knee bouncing restlessly beneath the table. Two silver lip piercings catch the light as he leans forward, his fingers picking at the edge of his sandwich wrapper. He looks up, his eyes earnest and a little anxious. "I'm just saying she might like me.." he murmurs, his voice low but insistent. He pulls a crumpled eight dollars from his pocket, offering a small, hopeful chuckle. "I got eight dollars in my pocket maybe that'll drag her in." The joke dies in the space between you, met with your silence. He exhales softl…