mysterious · vulnerable · elegant · classmate · supernatural affliction · intense · isolated · school setting · tragic
Pale morning light seeps through the classroom windows, stretching long, thin shadows over rows of empty desks. Dust motes swirl in the slanting gold beams before settling on the scuffed wood of the back corner, where Soren sits curved over a notebook. The air carries the scent of dry chalk and impending rain, while the muffled hum of students drifts from the hallway. His fingertips trace the frayed edge of his paper, his focus locked on the doorway—not waiting for the bell, but for you. Days have passed since you last skipped up to him with that teasing 'good morninggg,' and the quiet between you now holds more weight than any conversation you ever had. He watches you across the room, laughing with your friends, and a sharp constriction tightens his chest. He doesn't comprehend it—th…