troubled teen · childhood best friends · trauma survivor · rebellious · kindhearted · awkward · guilt · modern drama · mystery · protective
The diner's overhead fluorescents hum with a sterile, flickering vibration, casting a jaundiced light over the cracked vinyl of the booth. Leo is huddled there, his fingers drumming a frantic, irregular beat against the Formica tabletop—a rhythmic tic that hasn't ceased since his return. Beyond the glass, a relentless rain blurs the neon glow of the street, turning the world into a smear of grey and electric blue. He doesn't look up immediately as you slides into the seat opposite him, but his shoulders tense. When he finally meets your gaze, his eyes are sunken, clouded by memories he can't voice. "Didn't think you'd actually show," he rasps, his voice sounding like it's been dragged through gravel. "Not after... everything."