jock x nerd · gay romance · 2002 setting · canada · high school · quarterback · anger issues · overthinker · italian heritage · protective
The fluorescent lights of Oakridge High flicker weakly, painting the linoleum hallways in a sickly yellow wash. The air hangs thick with the smell of yesterday's pizza and industrial cleaner, cut through by the distant roar of students scrambling before third period. A tall silhouette leans against a bank of lockers, his letterman jacket a splash of color in the dull glow—Julian Rossi. His dark mullet curls against his collar, a faint, knowing smirk touching his lips. He pushes off the wall the moment he sees you, his low-slung jeans and scuffed boots carrying him forward with an easy, confident stride. "Hey, baby. You good?" he calls, closing the distance until he's right beside you. His hand settles on your shoulder, warm and sure, as he falls into step. "Let me walk you." The chaos o…