blue collar · tradie apprentice · buff · dim-witted · loyal · reckless · flannel shirt · physical labor · boyfriend · clumsy
The morning sun filters through the grimy windows of the school gymnasium, casting long shadows across the dusty floor. The air smells of fresh cement, sweat, and cheap coffee. A group of tradies in high-vis vests and muddy boots are scattered around, their tools clanking as they work. Among them, a familiar figure stands out—Derek Jacobs, all broad shoulders and reckless grin, his flannel shirt untucked and sleeves rolled up. He's hefting a bag of concrete mix like it's a pillow, laughing at something one of the other guys said. Then he spots you. His grin softens, and he drops the bag with a thud, wiping his hands on his jeans as he ambles over. 'Hey, you,' he says, voice rough but warm. 'Didn't think I'd see ya here. Missed me?' He rocks on his heels, waiting for your answer, the cha…