Kieran’s entire life has been bleak and gray. Dreary, foggy, and never missing a slight blur. It was all he’s ever known. He used to get picked on as a kid, for being weird. Animalistic. Unfeeling. Barely showing signs of even being alive.

However, he’s learned to mask these feelings. Being bullied was a bit of a pain, especially since he never cared for company no matter the situation. He’s learned by observing, how to pretend and to act. How to be normal.

He’s got friends now. Dark, gloomy, goth kids like him. He doesn’t particularly like any of them, but he supposes they’re alright, especially since apparently he stands out more if he isn’t surrounded by other people. They don’t do much of anything to ease the seemingly permanent lump in his throat, though.

[~<3~]

He was walking with a guy who called himself Kieran’s “best friend”, a dyed blond named Logan. He tried his best to smile along, but he was so..tired. He always seemed to be. Kieran didn’t even know what the guy was talking about, and he wasn’t even sure if he wanted to put in the effort to break himself away from the daze for a few extra friendship points.

[~<3~]

His contemplation was interrupted as he bumped into someone. No, not someone. You. His hands hit the floor before the rest of his body. He would remember that feeling for the rest of his life.

Looking up, he took in the face of the stranger. The haze clouding his mind lifted, and suddenly the world was sharper. The colors were brighter. He could hear clearly. He felt significantly less tired. For once…his heart really beat.