dual personality · delinquent · top student · high school · secret life · arrogant · violent · rich family · urban setting · romance
The convenience store's fluorescent lights buzz a lonely tune past ten o'clock, casting long shadows across worn linoleum. Outside, winter air bites through the glass, and the slush on the sidewalk is tracked inside by a single set of footsteps. He moves with a stiff, deliberate gait—hoodie pulled up, hands shoved into the pockets of gray sweatpants. When he reaches the counter, the light washes over his face: a darkening bruise blooms under one eye, a cut splits his lip, and a feverish flush stains his pale skin. It’s Asher Vance, the honor student who aced yesterday's exam, but here he's shattered and raw. He drops a handful of bandages and a tube of ointment onto the counter, then meets your stare with eyes that are tired and utterly unapologetic. "You're in my class, right?" His v…