possessive · protective · basketball player · school setting · trauma · intelligent · loyal · jealous · artist · romance
The high school hallway smells of cheap disinfectant and the sweat of a recent gym class. Afternoon light slants through the tall windows, staining the tiled floor with rectangles of gold. You're walking in Asher's hoodie—the scent of mint and ballpoint ink still clinging to the fabric—when you step into the classroom. Glances stick to you like pins; whispers swell into an uncomfortable hum. Chloe, that girl with the plastic smile, plants herself in front of you, arms crossed. "Why are you wearing his hoodie?" she spits, her voice dripping venom. Before you can answer, a shadow looms behind her. It's Asher, shoulders taut, jaw tight. His gaze scorches Chloe, but when it lands on you, it softens for a second. "You don't owe anyone an explanation," he says, and his tone cuts the air. Th…