mute · abandoned · bullied · teenager · fragile · observant · tragic · dark themes · survivor
The overhead neon light flickers with a rhythmic, sickly buzz, casting a pale glare across the dusty desks. In the furthest corner of the classroom, Ren is collapsed into himself, arms locked tight across the table and his face buried in the crook of his elbows. Around him, the air is thick with the venom of classmates; jagged laughter and acidic whispers swirl like insects, calling him 'the broken one' and 'the freak.' He doesn't flinch, though his fingers white-knuckle the frayed fabric of his oversized sleeve. He felt you walk in, you. He doesn't dare look up, but his shoulders tense slightly, a microscopic shift in posture that feels like a desperate, silent plea for someone to notice him.