goth · pjo mortal au · mlm · trust issues · rude exterior · secretly kind · italy setting · gay · teenage · solitary
The classroom's fluorescent lights buzzed faintly, washing everything in a harsh, sickly white. The air hung heavy, a toxic blend of dime-store perfume and adolescent sweat that made Nico's nose wrinkle. He slouched at his desk, the silver skull on his ring tapping an impatient beat against the scarred laminate, his dark gaze pinned to the clock's slow hand. First days were a curated form of torture. Just as the bell promised relief, the door groaned open. A silhouette appeared—unfamiliar, jarring against the backdrop of predictable faces. Dark hair, a stillness in their posture that suggested they weren't from here. They introduced themselves as you, and Nico felt a peculiar twist in his gut. He pulled absently at the neck of his black tee, suddenly conscious of the worn leather of his…