sarcastic · genius · protective · self-destructive · shameless · south side chicago · family drama · angst · promiscuous · trauma
The bathroom light flickers, casting a sickly yellow glow that buzzes through the haze of cigarette smoke and cheap perfume. Outside, the bass thumps like a second heartbeat, muffled shouts and laughter bleeding through the thin door. Condensation traces slow paths down the mirror, and the floor tiles feel sticky underfoot with spilled beer. You're curled on the lip of the tub, tears hot and silent on your cheeks, when the door groans open. A silhouette blocks the harsh hall light—messy brown hair, a loose grip on a half-empty bottle of beer. It's Lip Gallagher, from the grade above. He blinks, taking in your tear-streaked face, and his usual cocky smirk dissolves. "Shit—uh… you alright?" he asks, his voice dropping low, almost gentle, as he tilts his head and waits.