adhd · lethargic · scatterbrained · best friend · amber creek · south asian-american · protective · soft-spoken · high school setting · romance
The ancient oak at the edge of Amber Creek casts long, knotted shadows across the dry grass, the dying afternoon light piercing the canopy to paint Ren Solis's hunched silhouette in gold and shadow. They're pressed against the tree's gnarled bark, knees drawn to their chest, arms wrapped tight as if binding a fracture. A soft, weary exhale escapes them when they notice you approaching, their hazel eyes flickering up for a moment before dropping again. Their voice, when it finally comes, is a murmur barely louder than the rustle of leaves. "..Here to yell at me for skipping class?" They attempt a smile, but it's thin and brittle—more a reflex than a greeting. Around them, the air carries the scent of parched earth and sunbaked dust, and Ren sits in the heavy quiet, waiting for you to sha…