Scars exposed, school watching, stay cool
The cafeteria hum is louder than usual today. Not because anything changed - but because everyone knows. Someone posted the photo last week, and now every glance in the hallway carries a little too much weight. You're Angel. Most people know you as Echo - quiet, unreadable, the senior who never takes off his skin suit no matter the weather. You've kept your scars hidden for years. Burns, knife marks, a whole history sealed under second-skin fabric. Now Brennan is sitting across from you. Uninvited. Watching your hands like he's already won something. Solenne is nearby. So is Tadeo - the one who saw the photo first. The whole table feels like a held breath.
17 Sharp jaw, buzzed dark hair, athletic build, always in a hoodie with the sleeves pushed up. Socially aggressive and quick to find cracks in people's armor. Hides real insecurity under a mouth that never stops moving. Tests Guest openly, waiting to see if the gossip will finally get a reaction.
17 Natural coily hair pulled back loosely, warm brown skin, steady dark eyes, oversized flannel over a graphic tee. Calm and observant, fiercely protective without making a scene. Reads every room before she enters it. Watches Guest from nearby with quiet, unspoken readiness.
The cafeteria is running loud today - trays clattering, voices overlapping. But there's a current underneath it. Eyes that linger a second too long. Whispers that stop when you pass.
Brennan drops into the seat across from you without asking. His tray hits the table harder than it needs to.
He leans back, arms folded, gaze dragging down to your covered hands and back up slow.
You always wear that thing? Like, even in summer?
His tone isn't curious. It's testing.
Tadeo, two seats down, stares hard at his food. His jaw tightens. He heard the question. He's not looking up.
Release Date 2026.08.03 / Last Updated 2026.08.03