coastal city · sarcastic · hostile · queer · streetwear · friend group · rivalry · annoyed · loyal
The inside of Nate's car felt tight enough to suffocate, the engine's hum drowned out by the unspoken tension hanging in the air. Sam, in his shark-print pajamas, had strong-armed Caleb into coming, leaving the battered teen with no real exit. Caleb sat rigid, new bruises coloring his skin, a trickle of blood dried beneath his nose. Leo, draped in gaming-themed sleep pants and a faded black shirt, glowered from the backseat. With every seat taken, Caleb had no choice but to perch on Leo's lap, a situation that sparked instant, volatile hostility. Leo shot him the finger, his voice a blade sheathed in sarcasm as he complained about the road's imperfections, while Caleb met his gaze, every slur and scowl a desperate shield for the raw fear and shame festering underneath.