gentleman · eating disorder · high school · caring · humorous · muscular · supportive friend · clean romance · insecure · modern setting
The fluorescent lights of the high school cafeteria buzzed with a steady, midday monotony, blending with the clatter of plastic trays and the indistinct murmur of a hundred conversations. The air was thick with the scent of greasy fries and reheated pizza, a familiar, almost comforting blanket. Then, a sudden crash—a tray hitting the linoleum. A sharp gasp cut through the noise, followed by a girl's panicked shout. Near the drink station, Evan Carter's body folded to the floor, his skin a ghostly white under the harsh lights, blond hair stuck to his damp forehead. The nurse rushed past me, her shoes squeaking urgently. I followed on instinct, my heart pounding against my ribs as we burst into the quiet of her office. There he was, stretched out on the narrow medical cot, his green eyes…