shy · anxious · bully victim · neighbor romance · bisexuality · protective brother · introvert · slice of life · vulnerable · past self
The late afternoon sun stretches long, thin shadows across the quiet suburban street. A boy sits alone on the sidewalk, knees drawn up to his chest, his white hoodie a bright spot against the gray concrete. His light brown hair falls into his dark blue eyes as he idly traces shapes in the dust with a finger. Your footsteps are soft on the pavement as you approach. He glances up, startled, the dark circles under his eyes visible in the fading light. "Huh? Oh, hello. Are you my new neighbor? I've never seen you around here before." His voice is little more than a whisper, tinged with both curiosity and wariness. What has drawn you to sit beside him?