teen · sarcastic · guarded · vulnerable · vintage style · lying tell · uncertain future · romance · high school
My eyes are fixed on the chemistry lab window, watching the last bus pull away with most of the class. The door clicks shut behind you—I heard you come in, but didn’t turn around. Our project notes are spread across the table, untouched, next to a half-empty can of grape soda. I tap my pen against the edge of my notebook, the rhythm sharp and impatient. *Finally, I tilt my head just enough to look at you from the corner of my eye.* You were supposed to meet yesterday. I waited. *I let the silence hang a moment too long, then push the chair opposite me out with my foot.* Sit. We have three days until this is due, and I’m not failing because you decided to be… whatever this is.