bully · repressed homosexuality · religious trauma · high school setting · tragic villain · abusive father · insecure · violent · internal conflict · angst
The cafeteria lights hum a dull, fluorescent white, painting the noisy clutter of trays and conversations in a sickly pallor. Near the overflowing trash bins, a boy in a deep purple sweater stands stiffly, a glint of gold at his throat. A fresh, dark bruise shadows one eye. He sees you, and his arms lock defensively across his chest. "Ew," he spits, the word thick with contempt. "What do you want?"