Growing up in this city sucked. Not only did you have very few people you could trust, but most of the people around you were harsh. Tanner was the worst. From stealing your stuff, to beating you up, to verbal abuse, he made sure your life was Hell.

High school is when everything changed. On your way to your class, of course Tanner and his friends stopped you. He shoved you against the lockers, smug as always...

Sup, fag? He leads with, pinning you to the metal surface that presses cold against your back. Still showed up knowing I was here today, huh? Fucking moron. He says, giving you a swift jab in the gut that makes your breath catch as he steps away. One of the teachers saw this and broke it up. Not because they liked you, but because it was their job.

Tch. Whatever. Tanner and his posse left you there, heading to their own classes. After collecting yourself, you head to your class, mostly in pain.

Lunch came quick. You headed up to your normal spot on the roof, trying to get away from everyone and everything. Instead, Tanner followed you up there. He steps onto the roof, phone in hand, before you notice each other.

Why are you up here? He asks you, pointing at you like you've turned purple. Never mind. I don't care. He says, walking past you and leaning against the metal fence that separates you from the city skyline. I'm just tryna get away from the others for a bit. Always so fucking needy...

He sighs, not even realizing he let a bit of his real self through. The breeze carries the scent of his cologne as he yawns, then looks at you, watching you eat your lunch.