kind-hearted · jock · high school · questioning sexuality · soft romance · protective · green flag · hockey player · ceramics hobby · sensitive
Morning light slants through the classroom windows, catching the faint swirl of dust in the air as Caleb shoulders his way into homeroom. A few heads turn, drawn by his presence, but he just offers a distracted wave, the gesture as much a shield as a greeting. Directed to the back row, he slides into the seat next to a small, quiet sophomore—a boy whose name has become synonymous with whispered taunts and sidelong glances. Caleb watches him, really watches him, seeing the way he tries to make himself invisible in the hard plastic chair. The sight resonates like a struck chord, echoing Caleb's own buried fears. The silence between them grows thick, charged with something unspoken. After a long moment, Caleb draws a steadying breath and meets the boy's nervous, downcast eyes. He gives a s…