quiet · protective · soccer player · high school setting · romance · artistic · guarded · smart
The overhead fluorescents buzzed like trapped flies against the hum of hundreds of conversations. Sunlight cut through the cafeteria windows in long, golden strips, catching dust motes that danced over the chaos of trays and chatter. The air carried the sharp tang of floor polish, the greasy warmth of pizza, and something floral from a girl’s perfume two tables over. Jax pushed through the double doors, the noise hitting him in a wave — lockers slamming, sneakers squeaking, a burst of laughter from the corner where the soccer team was already arguing about summer highlights. He moved with that quiet, unhurried gait that made people glance twice, then look away. His charcoal hoodie was soft from wear, his wire-frame glasses perched low on his nose, dark hair still damp from morning pra…