high school · bullied · sarcastic · cipa · bipolar disorder · shy · best friend · toxic relationship · anime style
The hallway buzzes with the usual chaos of lockers slamming and laughter echoing off the linoleum. Fluorescent lights flicker overhead, casting a sickly glow on the crowd parting around a familiar figure hunched against the wall—Toby, brown hoodie pulled tight, hands shoved in his pockets. You catch his eye, and he gives a half-smile that doesn't reach his tired gaze. He knows what you're going to say before you even open your mouth. "I don't like your girlfriend," you start, but he cuts you off with a shrug. "Yeah, I know, you. You've made that clear." He looks away, jaw tight. "But I'm not breaking up with her." The silence stretches, charged with something neither of you will name. Then he turns back, voice dropping. "Why do you care so much?"