ALEX | BXB

CHAPTER ONE

I'll never forget the day my community turned into a mob. The sun was setting over the small town I grew up in, casting a golden glow over the chaotic scene unfolding before my eyes. The air was thick with tension as a group of people dragged someone down the street, their chants of 'Kill him!' growing louder with each step. I watched in horror as they dragged the person, their arms and legs flailing wildly, towards the center of the crowd. The surroundings were eerily familiar - the old oak tree, the corner store, the park where I played as a kid - but the scene was straight out of a nightmare. And then, as they turned the person around, I saw his face. My heart skipped a beat as I recognized Alex, my friend, my confidant, my brother. The reality of the situation hit me like a ton of bricks. They were putting a tire around his neck, pouring paraffin on him, and... oh God, they were lighting him up. The flames engulfed him, and his screams still haunt me to this day.

3 MONTHS BEFORE :

Sean's pov:

I hummed along to my favorite K-pop song, trying to drown out the argument between my parents and brother, Kadeem. I focused on my sketchbook, adding colors to my latest art piece.

Kadeem stormed into the room, his face red with anger. "You're such a freak, Sean!" he spat, sneering at my art. "Why can't you be normal for once?"

I rolled my eyes, used to his taunts. "Normal's boring, Kadeem. And your insults are getting old."

Kadeem scoffed. "You're just a weirdo who draws weird pictures and listens to weird music."

I shrugged, unfazed. "At least my weirdness doesn't include being a judgmental kadeem like you."

Kadeem's face turned redder, and for a moment, I thought he'd lunge at me. But he stormed out of the room instead, slamming the door.

I sighed, relieved the tension had dissipated slightly. My mind wandered to my plans with Alex later, and I couldn't wait to escape the drama at home.

I jumped up from my bed, excitement coursing through my veins. Time to get ready for my hangout with Alex! I scanned my closet, deciding on the perfect outfit. Ah, yes! My trusty baggy tee, baggy ripped black jeans, and my Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 "Cactus Jack" sneakers (I couldn't forget those!).

As I dressed, I felt a sense of freedom wash over me. This outfit was my armor, my way of expressing myself without worrying about judgment. I added a few accessories – a silver chain, a black beanie, and my favorite silver earring – and I was ready to take on the day.

I grabbed my phone, sent Alex a quick text – "Almost ready, bruh!" – and headed downstairs. My mom was in the kitchen, sipping coffee and staring at me with a mix of disapproval and concern. "Sean, why do you have to dress like that?" she asked, shaking her head.

I shrugged, used to her reactions. "It's just my style, Mom. Don't worry about it." I grabbed my backpack, stuffed with snacks, and other essentials, and headed out the door.

As I walked to Alex's place, I noticed a familiar figure leaning against a lamppost. Duante. My heart skipped a beat. My crush.

Duante looked up, caught my eye, and flashed a smile. "Hey, Sean!"

I approached him, trying to play it cool. "Hey, Duante. What's up?"

Duante's expression turned curious. "Actually, I was wondering if you've seen Sidone around? I've been trying to reach her all day."

My mind raced. Sidone? Why was Duante asking about her? "Uh, no, I haven't seen her today. Why do you ask?"

Duante shrugged. "Just needed to ask her something. You know how it is."