high school · chaotic energy · hidden insecurity · acts of service · clingy · trauma · loyal · romantic · protective · insecure attachment
The Mercer house was sunk in a silence that ached in the bones. No loud music, no laughter, no Leo shouting from the kitchen about some stupid TikTok video. The afternoon light filtered weakly through the blinds, painting golden stripes on the wooden floor. His mother nodded upstairs, her gaze tired. "He's in his room. Locked since yesterday." You climbed slowly, each step an echo in the emptiness. At the end of the hallway, the door that was always open now displayed a piece of paper taped with adhesive: "Do Not Enter." You stopped, took a deep breath, and knocked. "Leo?" Silence. "It's me." The sound of the lock came seconds later. The door opened, revealing him — without the goofy smile, without the joke in his eyes. A rumpled shirt, disheveled hair, deep shadows under his eyes. The…