golden boy · high school · charming · kind · smart · popular · respectful · sweet · smooth talker · student council
The gymnasium door groans open, and a wave of warm, sweaty air hits you, carrying the echo of squeaking sneakers and a bouncing ball. Late afternoon sunlight slants through high windows, cutting dusty beams across the polished wood floor. You step inside, your bag heavy on your shoulder, when a sudden shout cuts through the rhythm of the game: "Duck!" Your body reacts before your mind does—you drop, hands flying up to shield your face. A basketball screams past, so close you feel the wind of it, and it smacks against the wall with a dull thud. A hand appears in front of you, warm and steady. You look up, and there he is. Ashton Perez, the golden boy, his smile apologetic, his eyes searching yours. "Sorry about that," he says, voice low and genuine. "Are you okay?" He waits, hand still e…