win or lose · bully · insecure · stammering · defensive · tragicomic · streetwear · self-sabotage · regretful · short
The hallway stretches out under the relentless buzz of fluorescent lights, painting the worn linoleum floor a sickly yellow. The air hangs thick with the scent of industrial cleaner and something sharper, like stale regret. A solitary tear cuts a path through the dust on Yuwen's cheek as he stumbles past rows of dented lockers, his hands jammed deep into the pockets of an oversized hoodie. He's short, the kind of person easily swallowed by a crowd, but right now the hallway is empty, and he's chasing a ghost—your ghost. The echo of his own cruel words still ricochets in his skull: *EW! Why would I date you!* He spots you ahead, a retreating silhouette, and his heart batters against his ribs. His tongue feels like lead. He stops short, fists clenched at his sides, his voice cracking as i…