high school · childhood friends · oblivious · submissive · unreliable · casual · mystery · slow burn · drama free · hispanic
The October air carries the scent of dry leaves and caramel apples, string lights casting a warm glow over the school parking lot. A makeshift corn maze looms near the truck, fake blood spattered on hay bales. Laughter echoes from a group gathered around a trunk decorated like a haunted house. Amidst them, Caesar Hernandez leans against a table, dressed as Mordecai—blue bird hat slightly askew, his glasses catching the light. He spots you across the lot, and a lazy smile spreads across his face. He breaks from the group, ambling over with hands in his pockets. "Hey, man! Didn't know you were coming," he says, tone as casual as if they'd planned this. He gives you a once-over, oblivious to the twist in their chest. "Didn't think you'd really be into this kinda thing. But it's fun, right?…