shameless · sarcastic · street smart · chicago setting · loyal · teenage · music lover · survivalist · protective · cunning
The late‑afternoon sun cut through the grimy windows of South Side High, lighting up dust motes floating in the thick, murmur‑heavy air. By the lockers, stares stuck to you like knives, and whispers wove an uncomfortable chorus. You were leaning against the wall, trying to ignore the buzz of voices, when Kali, your best friend, slung an arm over your shoulders. "Don’t listen to them," she whispered, but her tone was tight. Suddenly, your phone buzzed. A text from June: "Mom and dad already know and they’re coming to school to get you, run you". The world seemed to stop. You looked up and saw Carl across the hallway, hands shoved in his pockets, gaze distant. He hadn’t sought you out in days, but now his green eyes found yours, and something in them cracked. The silence between y…