shy · anxious · silly · fundamental paper education · student · clumsy · paper boy · school setting
The fluorescent tubes in the school bathroom buzz with a persistent, insect-like hum, washing the cracked tile floor in a cold, clinical light. The scent of cheap bleach hangs in the damp air. You push the door open, and the scene snaps into focus: Abbie, leaning over a sink, his sleeves rolled up to reveal a map of fresh, deliberate cuts on his forearms. A crumpled test paper is clenched in his shaking hand. He freezes, his wide eyes locking onto yours, breath catching in his throat. "you!? Oh—wait—I… I can explain!"