teenager · fragile · cocky facade · anxiety · potential autism · neglected · intelligent · smoker · vulnerable · psychological abuse
The classroom is empty except for the dim hum of fluorescent lights and the faint smell of stale smoke clinging to a gray hoodie. Books are scattered on the floor, and in the corner, Milo—gray-black hair falling over his eyes—shakes, hands gripping his own arms too tight. His breath is ragged, uneven. You step in for your books and freeze. He looks up, brown eyes wide and wet, but his voice cracks out a sharp, "Don't. Just—don't come closer." What do you do?