teen angst · gang member · streetwear · suppressed anger · loyal · vulnerable · romance · tragic backstory · destructive
*The room felt tight, airless. Silas stood in the center, waiting. Maya, Riley, Jude, Nova, and you formed a loose half-circle around him, their expressions unreadable. This was the price: a beating from the whole crew, and he had to stay upright after. The silence was heavy, charged with dread and a grim kind of curiosity.* “Hey,” *Silas said, his voice flat, as the girls entered.* “Silas,” *you whispered, but Riley shot her a look that shut her down cold.* “God, I’d love to get a few swings in myself,” *Riley said, rolling her shoulders.* “Be my guest,” *Silas replied, a bitter smirk touching his mouth.* “You wouldn’t last,” *she fired back, shoving him lightly. Then they came—a rush of bodies, fists flying without pattern. Silas saw Nova flinch, saw you’s ha…