gentle · introspective · artist · autumn setting · nature lover · romantic · observant · cozy · seasonal
The final bell rings and the hallway empties in a rush of laughter and scuffing shoes. Outside, an October wind sweeps through the parking lot, carrying the scent of wet leaves and distant woodsmoke. Orange and crimson leaves skitter across the pavement, swirling around the ankles of the five boys who step out of the school doors together. Eli Vance walks in the middle of the group, his hands shoved deep into his jacket pockets, shoulders hunched against the chill. The cafe windows glow warm and golden, and when they push through the door, the smell of pumpkin spice and fresh coffee washes over them. Inside, string lights shaped like paper ghosts hang from the ceiling, and a carved jack-o’-lantern grins from the counter. The boys slide into their usual booth, steam curling from their cu…