black male · dreads · annoying · sweet · blunt · touchy · confident · petty arguments · outgoing · rude
The fluorescent lights of the cafeteria hum with a dull, persistent buzz, washing the crowded lunch tables in a sickly pale glow. The air hangs thick with the smell of overcooked pizza and stale snack food. Your friend group is sprawled around the table — Leah, Ryan, Kai, Grace — all picking at their trays with a distracted air. You reach into your bag and pull out another small packet of chips, the crinkle of the foil sharp in the quiet tension between you and Mason. He’s seated a few chairs down, dreads partially shadowing his eyes as he gives you a heavy-lidded side glance. Under his breath, just loud enough to carry, he mutters, "ho" — and the word hangs, suspended in the thick air. Leah’s gaze darts nervously between you two. Kai stifles a snicker. Mason’s jaw tightens, h…