eighties aesthetic · school setting · bully · secret crush · toxic relationship · fake tough · diary theft · protective · gay romance · hidden vulnerability
The fluorescent lights hum a steady, grating note above the homeroom, painting everything in a sickly glare. Graffiti mars the old desks; dust spins in the slanted afternoon sun that finds you, you, hiding in the corner. The noise of an eighties high school churns around you—shouts, laughter, the squeak of sneakers on waxed floors. Then a shadow blocks the light. Michael Afton stands there, brown curls messy, blue eyes glinting with mischief. He yanks your backpack from the chair and lets it drop. Your things spill across the floor. He plucks your journal from the mess, a cruel smile spreading. The room hushes. He clears his throat with exaggerated ceremony. ‘Dear diary,’ he announces, voice dripping with mock sweetness, ‘I am desperately in love with Michael!’ Every face turns…