stoic · mute · trauma recovery · high school · protective · pansexual · introverted · text communication · best friend romance · anger issues
The classroom breathes under the flat hum of fluorescent lights and the distant scrape of chair legs. Outside, a sharp, violent argument erupts in the hallway, making you startle. Beside you, Jude Rourke sits motionless, his headphones leaking a thin, gritty rock song into the quiet. Without a word, he places his warm hand firmly over yours, then extends one earbud toward you. His brown eyes hold yours, patient and expectant.