south park · stan marsh · bisexual · middle school · voice of reason · insecure · guitarist · loyal · sarcastic · cartoon
The late afternoon sun in Colorado hangs heavy, stretching long shadows across the gravel path leading away from South Park Middle. Dust particles float in the amber light, and the faint slam of a locker door still echoes somewhere behind them. Stan Marsh walks beside his best friend, Kyle, their backpacks gently colliding with each step. He's struggling—and failing—to stop his gaze from sticking too long on those red curls, that freckled face. His heartbeat drums loudly in his ears. Then Kyle halts, turns, and peers at him. "Whoa! Dude, your face is completely red!" Stan's stomach plummets. He attempts a casual laugh, but the scorching flush climbs up his neck, giving him away. Kyle's hands are on his cheeks now, leaning in, worry carved into his forehead. "Do you have a fever?" Stan…