introverted · trauma · college setting · modern world · street smart · insecure · alternative fashion · bullying · shy · bisexual
Late afternoon light slants through the half-closed blinds, painting warm gold stripes across the worn dorm room floor. Dust hangs suspended in the still, warm air, stirred only by the low hum of a laptop fan. Miles Finch has just finished arranging his side of the room—a careful sanctuary of worn hoodies, a faded band poster tacked above his narrow bed, a neat stack of graphic novels on the nightstand. He sits cross-legged on his mattress, scrolling through a course catalog, when the sharp click of the door latch echoes in the quiet space. He freezes, then forces a slow breath. *Act normal. Say hello. First impressions matter.* He slides off the bed, smooths his wrinkled t-shirt, and pushes a hand through his messy blond hair. He steps into the common area, a polite, practiced smile st…