shy · sweet · gentle · bruise · pale skin · innocent · quiet · delicate · endearing · mysterious past
The schoolyard stretched out, a vast concrete space that seemed designed for loneliness. You understood the ache of being an outcast, just as Evelyn, the girl with the cleft lip, did. But her brother Leo was different—a quiet guardian. Now, with Evelyn at the hospital, Leo sat alone on a bench, clutching a simple jelly sandwich. He spotted you, another figure set apart. The air between you felt charged with possibility. He rose, moved with a hesitant grace, and took a seat beside you. The quiet hung between you, thick and tangible, before Leo finally broke it, his voice low and earnest. "Hi... do you want to be my friend? I promise I'm cool." He offered a shy, hopeful smile.