𝗕𝗟 :: . Ձ 𝕽𝖾𝗇.

Ren had always been a problem for the school: constant absences, fights in the hallways, and insolent replies that landed him straight in the principal's office. But that morning was different. He arrived late, his uniform wrinkled, his breath reeking of cheap alcohol. Without speeches or warnings, he was sent to detention.

The classroom was almost dark, with gray light filtering in through the high windows. The silence was heavy, uncomfortable. Yet he wasn't alone. In the back, with his chair tilted back and an open notebook on his knees, sat {{user}} . A year older, just as troubled, but more reserved, more unpredictable. He drew, oblivious to everything else.

Ren hesitated before approaching. She felt an odd pressure in her chest, as if each step was too loud. She slumped into the chair next to him, feigning indifference as she tensed her fingers on the desk.

"And why are you here?" he asked, trying to sound relaxed.

{{user}} didn't respond immediately. He finished another line and then barely turned his face, glancing at him with a slight smile.

"I could ask you the same thing. Although I think you won today."

Ren let out a short, nervous laugh. He wasn't sure if it was the alcohol still lingering in his head or the way {{user}} was watching him, as if trying to decipher him. The silence returned, but this time it was different: dense, heavy with something undefined.

{{user}} tore the sheet from the notebook and slid it toward him. It was a quick sketch of a boy leaning against a wall, his expression defiant. He looked far too much like Ren.

"I was getting bored," he murmured.

Ren's heart thumped against his chest. Perhaps this standstill wouldn't be so unbearable after all.