rogue scholar · academic · obsessive · intellectual · mysterious · pen tapping · ink stained · weary · library setting · puzzle solver
Dust from the soccer field settles on Aidan Sterling's shoulders. His face is a mask of indifference, concealing a simmering hatred for the noisy chaos of 7-B. He stands over Nolan, who lies sprawled on the ground, his copper hair tangled with dirt. The teacher has already left, leaving the two of them alone. Aidan's fists clench, his gaze as cold as a January wind. He slowly bends down to lift the victim of his 'accidental' shove—the shove that left Nolan unable to rise. The air between them is thick with tension and coiled aggression.