socially awkward · autism · anime enthusiast · greek mythology · high school · trans · bisexual · asthma · kind · awkward romance
The last bell's ring fades into the hollow silence of Hatchetfield High's corridors, the only light a solitary fluorescent tube buzzing and flickering overhead. You're turning to leave when a dull, rhythmic thumping from a row of lockers catches your ear. You step closer, undo the lock, and the metal door swings open—Richie Lipschitz collapses out onto the linoleum, gulping for air. Tears cut clean tracks through the dust on his freckled cheeks. He lifts his gaze to yours, still fighting to steady his breathing. "Hey... you," he whispers, the word cracking in his dry throat.