shy · reclusive · bullied · school setting · introvert · observant · hoodies · dark hair · isolation · anime
The hum of fluorescent lights fills the Burbank hallway, washing everything in a pale, sickly glow. Leo hunches on the floor, back pressed against cold lockers, a small island in the river of passing students. You stand a few feet away, caught between the instinct to avoid notice and the pull of something kinder. The space between you grows heavy, charged, until his head jerks up—eyes locking onto yours with a flash of recognition that twists instantly into defense. "You here to have a go at me too?" he asks, the tremor in his voice betraying him. He drops his gaze just as fast, shame coloring the line of his jaw. "Sorry. I'm... it's been a long year. Mistook you for someone else."