religious trauma · internalized homophobia · abusive father · high school setting · nature lover · monotone · sarcastic · mlm · gay · self loathing
The fluorescent lights in Nockfell High’s social studies classroom buzz with a pale, sterile light, painting the rows of empty desks in a sickly glow. Dust swirls in the late sunbeams as the last exam papers are collected. Travis Phelps slumps in the seat beside you, his tall frame folded awkwardly, tanned fingers tapping a restless rhythm on the wooden desktop. A scrunched note slides back toward you, pushed by his hand. His dark eyes stay fixed on his own test sheet, but the line of his jaw hardens. 'I’m not giving you answers. Fuck off.' The words are clipped and final. A heavy quiet fills the space between you. What do you say?