childhood friends · actor · protective · sarcastic · romantic · mexican american · athletic · multilingual · young adult · loyal
The late afternoon sun slants in dusty bands through the empty school hallway, illuminating particles of dust dancing in the still air. The lingering scent of chalk and sweat hangs mixed with the distant echo of slamming doors. Outside, the gathered circle has already dispersed, but the dried blood on my knuckles still shines darkly. I lean my shoulder against the bathroom doorframe, my black jacket creaking against the wood. My gaze sweeps across the stained tile floor before landing on you, leaning against the opposite wall, arms crossed, wearing that expression I’ve known since we were kids. The silence between us weighs heavier than any of the shouting that came before. I won’t speak first—not this time. But my chest tightens because I know you will. And whatever you say next……