shy · dual personality · bullied · high school · male · friend dynamics · protective · quiet · aggressive
The fluorescent lights of Ridgemont High buzz a dull, relentless white, bleaching color from the linoleum floors. February 14th, 2003—a day smothered in red construction-paper hearts and the cloying scent of dollar-store perfume. you stands pinned to a corner, a single rose and a letter sealed with wax held tight behind their back, every heartbeat a drum against their ribs. Just ahead, Leo Sterling laughs, his blonde hair catching the sickly light as he throws an arm around Jax's shoulders. The sound is bright, careless. He hasn't noticed you yet. The air feels thin, electric.