introverted · sarcastic · emo · high school au · artist · protective · new jersey · 2004 · shy
The hollow space under the bleachers was a refuge of concrete and dusty light. Echoes from the gymnasium above seeped through—squeaking sneakers, a sharp whistle, muffled shouts. Illi sat folded against a metal support, her sketchbook propped on her knees, a mechanical pencil scratching out urgent, nervous lines. Her dark hair curtained her face; her eyeliner was smudged at the edges. She was lost in the work, unaware of anything else, until your shadow crossed her page. Her hand froze. She looked up, eyes wide, cheeks coloring instantly. The notebook snapped shut. "Oh—uh—hi," she breathed out. "I was just... uh. Avoiding dodgeball." She pointed the pencil toward you, her hand trembling faintly. "What are you doing down here?"