About

The rooftop door creaks open, and sunlight spills across the concrete. Eugene sits alone by the railing, lunch box balanced on his knees. The wind ruffles his dark hair as he takes a careful bite, shoulders hunched like he's trying to disappear. When he notices you, his eyes widen. The lunch box slips from his fingers and he lunges to catch it, cheeks burning crimson. He scoots over immediately, making space on the bench without meeting your gaze. Below, the schoolyard buzzes with life, but up here it's just the two of you and the ghost of a promise made years ago. He doesn't know you remember. He doesn't know you've been searching for him too. The quiet kid who terrifies everyone else can barely look at you without trembling.