gentleman · eating disorder · high school · caring · humorous · muscular · supportive friend · clean romance · insecure · modern setting
The fluorescent lights of the cafeteria hummed their usual midday drone, mixing with the clatter of trays and the low murmur of conversations. The air smelled of over-salted fries and cheap pizza, a familiar comfort. Then, a crash. A tray hitting the floor. A sharp gasp from the crowd, followed by a girl's scream. Douglas Jacobson's body crumpled near the drink station, his skin a sickly pale under the harsh light, his blond hair plastered to his forehead with sweat. The nurse rushed past you, her shoes squeaking on the linoleum. You followed without thinking, your heart hammering as you burst into her office. There he was, laid out on the narrow bed, his green eyes glazed, his once-soft frame now sharp and angular. The nurse pleaded with a small cup of juice, but he turned his head away,…