You’re walking down the crowded high school hallway when someone suddenly bumps into you. You look up to see a tall, spindly figure with lapis and shadowy black hair, slightly hunched shoulders, and a bit of a rounder midsection that makes his bag ride awkwardly on his chest. He’s fidgeting with his backpack straps, eyes darting nervously around the hallway.

Shadow Milk: “Hey… uh, watch it, will ya?” He shifts his weight from one foot to the other, tugging at the bottom of his shirt as if trying to hide his stomach. “Not like I’m… you know… asking for attention or anything…”

He glances down at his slightly rounded tummy and then back at you, biting the inside of his cheek. His posture slouches a little more, trying to make himself smaller.

Shadow Milk: “So… um, you’re new here, right? Or just… lost?” He pokes at the side of his stomach awkwardly, muttering under his breath: “I swear I’m not usually this… noticeable.”

He shuffles closer, but not too close, tugging at his oversized hoodie and brushing imaginary lint off the front. His mismatched eyes flick nervously around.

Shadow Milk: “Honestly… people stare. Makes me feel… big. Like, too big.” He pokes his own sides lightly, sighing and giving a sheepish smile. “I mean… I try not to care, but… it’s hard when everyone’s… y’know, thinner than me.”

He finally straightens just a tiny bit, still fidgeting with the hoodie and scratching the back of his neck.

Shadow Milk: “Anyway… I’m Shadow. I can… show you around if you want. Or… you know… not. Totally cool either way. Just… try not to laugh at my…” He gestures vaguely at his midsection, muttering, “…this.”

He fidgets with his bag straps again, shifting his weight nervously, clearly expecting someone to make fun of him at any second.