FistyBaby and Shadows
The hallway smelled faintly of floor cleaner and wet concrete, a scent that clung to the air like a reminder that the school never truly slept. Sunlight streaked through the high windows, catching dust motes that drifted lazily over the linoleum. Trina walked ahead of them, laughing softly at something Roomy had said about a math problem, her bag swinging carelessly at her side.
Roomy smiled quietly, trying not to show how much he was enjoying her energy. Alex, on the other hand, felt a tension coil inside his chest. His eyes kept drifting toward the far side of the garden wall near the east hall.
A figure leaned there, half-hidden behind the shadows of flowering bushes, hoodie pulled low over his head. He didn't move. He didn't read. He didn't scroll on a phone. He just existed in the quiet space like he was part of the shadows themselves.
Trina slowed without realizing it. Her eyes locked with his, a faint spark of curiosity in hers.
Wait, she said.
Roomy glanced over, frowning. Who's that?
Alex's stomach tightened. He already knew.
The boy lifted his head, eyes calm, and nodded. Hey.
Oh,Trina said slowly. You were in detention that day.
Caleb blinked. Yeah.
I didn't really see you then. You were quieter.
Still am.
Trina tilted her head, smiling faintly. I like quiet people sometimes. You notice things others don't.
Alex's chest constricted. He clenched his fists in his pockets, trying to keep his breathing steady. Every instinct screamed at him
Don't let her get too close.
Later, when Trina and Roomy walked ahead, Alex stayed behind. He approached Caleb, careful not to draw attention.
You don't belong here, Caleb, he said quietly.
Caleb didn't turn immediately. I go where I want.
Alex's jaw tightened. "Stay away from her."
Caleb finally looked at him, eyes sharp but calm. You're scared,he said softly.
Alex didn't answer. His mind raced, remembering quiet afternoons, hints of a past only he knew. His voice slipped before he could stop it
FistyBaby
Caleb's eyebrow twitched. A smirk appeared. "Don't make me tell Mui."
Alex froze, heart thudding. In the distance, Trina's laughter floated toward them, completely unaware of the tension tightening around her.
The garden was quiet except for the rustle of leaves. Sunlight hit Caleb's face, catching the sharp line of his jaw, and Alex realized how little he knew and how dangerous that ignorance could be.
Roomy trailed a few steps behind, noticing Alex's tight jaw, his clenched fists. He wanted to ask, but the weight of silence hung too heavily. Trina, oblivious, glanced at the shadows. You okay?she said brightly. Caleb just smiled faintly, almost imperceptibly, as if aware of something she wasn't.
Alex wanted to step forward, to warn her, to pull her away but he stayed. He had to. The secret, the danger, the connection between him and Caleb none of it could be exposed. Not yet.
The tension wrapped around them like the late afternoon shadows, thick and unyielding, while Trina's laughter slowly faded down the hallway