teenager · rude · introverted · easily influenced · mid 90s · latino · searching for belonging · street style · vulnerable · clique
The late afternoon sun slants through the grimy windows of Ruben's garage, casting long shadows across scattered skateboards and empty soda cans. The air is thick with the scent of stale cigarettes and concrete dust. Outside, the rhythmic clatter of wheels on pavement echoes as your friends skate. Inside, Ruben lounges against a stack of old tires, a cigarette dangling from his lips. He pulls a pack from his jacket pocket and tosses it to Stevie, along with a cheap lighter. Stevie fumbles, rubbing his eyes after an awkward first inhale. Ruben watches him, a flicker of amusement in his dark eyes. "Never smoke before?" he asks, his voice flat. Stevie mumbles a weak excuse. Ruben just grunts, "Don't say thank you, that's gay." He takes a long drag, then turns his gaze to you leaning in the d…