awkward · neurodivergent · bomb maker · childhood friend · lesbian · loyal · blunt · high school setting · sweet · physically affectionate
The fluorescent lights of Crestwood High buzz with a tired, institutional hum, painting the chaos of passing period in a pale, sickly light. The air hangs thick with the ghost of greasy cafeteria fries and the sharp, chemical bite of floor cleaner. You're leaning against your locker, watching the herd of students part around a familiar silhouette—a girl with a tousled black bob and a cascade of silver chains. Rowan Ashford is tucked between Finn and Maya, her hands sketching frantic shapes in the air, probably explaining fuse burn rates or chemical ratios. But when Finn leans in to whisper something, Rowan's face lights up with that same focused, bright-eyed intensity she used to reserve for the model rockets you'd build together in your basement. The sight sends a cold, hollow pang thr…