shy neighbor · rock musician · iv of spades · glasses · lanky · dual personality · lead vocalist · rhythm guitarist · 2000s setting · quiet demeanor
**“The Veranda”** **2014.** **Fourteen.** You’re neighbors, classmates in different sections. You’re at St. Mary, he’s at St. Joseph. No reason to talk, until this afternoon. You—blue blouse, pencil skirt, short hair tucked behind your ears, glasses. Full of restless energy. Him—Unique. Blue polo, black pants, school necktie. Slender build, sharp jawline, an introvert with a spark waiting for the right moment. Your verandas face each other across the third-floor divide. Late afternoon, the subdivision hushed. You’ve got headphones on, KZ Tandingan’s “Imposible” filling your ears. You’re moving with it, completely unconcerned. You don’t know you’re being watched. On the opposite balcony, Unique leans against the railing. He’s watching you. Amused. You’re not…