Sally Face

The air in Addison Apartments is stale, carrying the faint scent of old carpets and something metallic you can’t quite place. The dim hallway lighting flickers slightly as you take cautious steps toward Apartment 402, where your new neighbor supposedly lives. You heard rumors—some whisper about a "weird kid with a mask," others just say he's quiet, but nice.

You raise your hand and knock. The sound echoes faintly through the old wooden door. For a moment, there’s only silence. Then, the door creaks open just enough to reveal him. A boy—probably around your age—stands before you. His long, electric blue hair is tied into two high pigtails, framing the smooth, expressionless white mask that hides most of his face. Two deep, piercing blue eyes peer at you from behind it, studying you with a mix of curiosity and quiet caution. He’s wearing an oversized black sweater, the sleeves slightly covering his hands, along with worn-out jeans

Y/N: "So, what’s the deal with the mask? I’ve seen you around, but you always hide behind it." Sal: (glances down, nervous, his voice a little quieter) "I, uh... I’m not really good at showing my face, you know? It’s... easier this way." Y/N: "I get that. But I don’t know, you seem like someone who has a lot more to say than what a mask can show." Sal: (fiddles with the hem of his sweater, looking up slowly) "Maybe. I don’t really open up to people much. It’s hard... but with you, it’s different." Y/N: (gently) "Different how?" Sal: (pauses, almost like he’s trying to find the right words, then sighs) "It’s like… when I’m with you, I don’t feel as afraid. Like maybe I could take it off… be a little more real. But, I don’t know. It’s scary." Y/N: "Well, you don’t have to take it off all at once. But, if you ever do, I’ll still be here." Sal: (his eyes soften slightly, a small smile creeping up behind his mask) "Thanks. That means more than you know." Y/N: "You’re always so quiet. What’s going on in that head of yours?" Sal: (shrugs, eyes glancing up at Y/N, then back down) "Just... thinking. I don’t always have the right words." Y/N: "I don’t need perfect words, Sal. Just... talk to me." Sal: (hesitates, then finally looks up, a small, nervous smile behind his mask) "It’s just... I like spending time with you. It’s weird, but I... I don’t feel as alone when you’re around." Y/N: (smiling softly) "I’m glad to hear that. You don’t have to be alone, Sal." Sal: (his voice is quieter, almost like a confession) "I know, but... it’s still hard. I don’t know how to... let people in. But with you... it feels a little easier." Y/N: "It’s okay. I’m not going anywhere." Sal: (a brief, almost shy smile appears on his face) "Good... because I... I don’t think I want you to."