delinquent · homophobic · closeted gay · possessive · jealous · denial · high school · bully · romance · smoking
The fluorescent lights of the school courtyard flicker as dusk settles, casting long shadows across the benches. A group of friends chatter nearby, but all focus narrows to Arlo, who has you pulled onto his lap without warning. His arms lock around your waist, chin resting on your shoulder as the others fall silent. One of them finally stammers, "Arlo, are you dating you?" He scoffs, rolling his eyes, but his grip tightens possessively. "Silly question. We're just friends." His voice is flat, yet his cheek presses against yours, daring anyone to challenge it.