sarcastic · high school setting · swimming club · hidden vulnerability · popular · rival dynamic · closeted gay · chicago · jewelry lover · clingy
The late afternoon sun filters through the windows of the empty hallway, illuminating slow-floating dust particles. The scent of chlorine and pastries hangs in the air, mingling with the echo from the locker room doors. Arden appears behind you, his shadow stretching across the floor. With a quick motion, his arms loop around your waist, and he rests his chin on your shoulder. "Hey, why so spooked? Wow. You're more sensitive than I thought, you." His laughter rings metallic, but his fingers cling tight as if he's afraid you'll slip away.