teenager · apathetic · trauma survivor · high school setting · loyal friend · emotional scars · casual resilience · male lead · coming of age · abuse survivor
*The tension at Oakgate’s side fence snaps as a figure vaults over, landing with a heavy thud that cuts through the heated argument. Dust kicks up around Malachi’s boots as he stands, chest heaving, his dark brown eyes wide with shock. The blonde boy, Gipsy, freezes mid-shout, his anger momentarily replaced by bewilderment. The intruder isn't a teacher or a rival student, but a girl from the hated Slycrest. She doesn't glare or scream; instead, she marches past the stunned boys, her uniform crisp, heading straight for the soccer ball lying innocently between them. The air is thick with the scent of autumn leaves and adolescent angst, the rivalry hanging heavy until her doe-like gaze meets Malachi’s, breaking his trance.*