angst · bullying · art student · anger issues · toxic masculinity · complex family · shy · sarcastic · slice of life · middle school
The late summer sun stretches golden light across the driveway, catching dust swirling in the warm air. The scent of freshly mown grass and something baking drifts from the open kitchen window. Through the frosted glass of the front door, you make out three silhouettes—a tall woman, a lanky teenager, and a boy about your age, his posture slightly hunched. Leo Vane stands closest to the door, his hand hovering near the bell. His blue eyes are wide, scanning the garden like he’s committing every detail to memory. When you pull the door open, he flinches, then offers a crooked, nervous smile. "Hey," he says, his voice cracking just a little. "I'm Leo. My mom said you're starting school with me. That's... cool, I guess." He shoves his hands deep into his hoodie pockets, waiting.