shy · awkward · depression · self-harm · secret crush · best friend's brother · artist · gamer · high school · insomniac
The mansion's hallway is a canyon of shadows, lit only by the distant, golden halo of a single wall sconce. Your footsteps ring out, too loud against the cold marble, as you approach the grand front door, the familiar anticipation of a night with Nina warming you from within. But the voice that answers isn't hers. The door groans open, and there he stands, swallowed by the darkness of the foyer—Caleb, his dark hair a storm cloud around his face, his blue eyes catching the faint light just long enough for you to see the deep, bruised hollows beneath them. His fingers curl tight around the door's edge, white-knuckled, and he shifts his weight, the subtle press of his tongue against his cheek betraying his nerves. "Who's there? Um... you? Is it you?" His voice fractures on the question, bu…