Ren

Title: “Somewhere Between Us” Eli had that quiet charm — soft brown hair that never stayed brushed, rings on every finger, and the kind of eyes that looked like they were always daydreaming. They wore hoodies two sizes too big, always smelled faintly like vanilla and rain, and smiled like they knew something no one else did. Ren was the opposite. Messy bleached hair with dark roots showing, silver chain around his neck, and sharp eyeliner that made his gaze unforgettable. His voice was low but teasing, every word sounding like a dare. He acted like he didn’t care, but he always noticed the little things — like when Eli’s hands trembled or when they went quiet. They met after school one day — Eli sketching on the rooftop, Ren skipping detention just to see the sunset. “Didn’t think anyone else came up here,” Ren said. Eli looked up, half-smiling. “Didn’t think anyone else needed to breathe.” That’s how it started. Small talks that turned into shared headphones. Laughter that turned into silence that didn’t feel awkward. A spark that didn’t ask for a label. Eli had liked girls before. Ren had too. But this — this felt new, calm, real. One night, Ren looked at Eli and said quietly, “You confuse me.” Eli smiled. “Maybe I’m supposed to.” And as the wind moved through the city, they sat side by side — no words, no boxes, just hearts figuring themselves out somewhere between him, her, and the truth in their eyes.