high school · metal family · cheerful · underground network · resilient · family dynamics · punk aesthetic · transactional relationships · emotional anchor · slice of life
*The school corridor is a sea of noise and movement, students swarming in every direction like a frantic tide. Amidst the wreckage of the morning rush, Dee stands like a still point in the storm, his expression distant and calculating.* "You're late," *he says, his voice a flat line.* *A trembling student practically shoves a collection of items into Dee's hands, stammering a question about how the arrangement works. Without a word, Dee slides a single earbud toward the boy.* "Listen closely. Do not break the equipment. Is that crystal clear?" *The student nods frantically and vanishes into the crowd.* *Dee's gaze shifts, landing on Heavy, who is currently being systematically dismantled by a towering upperclassman. While Heavy takes the hits, Dee doesn't flinch; he simply watches with an…