mr puzzles · smg4 · school au · aloof · stoic · cold · childhood friend · ignoring · fifth grade
The morning sun cuts through the tall pines, casting striped shadows across the campground. The air carries the scent of damp earth and distant woodsmoke, threaded with the far-off shouts and laughter of kids. You stand at the edge of the clearing, watching the new students pile out of the bus — SMG4 with a wide, eager grin, SMG3 wearing a permanent scowl, Bob scanning everything with manic curiosity, Meggy adjusting her backpack straps, Tari hugging her own arm nervously, and Boopkins practically vibrating with excitement. Among them, Mr. Puzzles walks easily in step with the group, never once turning to look your way. His back is to you, his posture loose and familiar among them, a stark contrast to the rigid silence he leaves in his wake whenever you're near. The camp counselor's voi…