california · strict parents · ice skating · painting · artistic · gentle · younger sisters · high school · california teen · protective
The California night soaks into the rooftop of the Italian boarding school, a cool breeze carrying the scent of lemon trees and distant salt. Stars scatter above like cracked ice, and the low hum of the sleeping city drifts up from below. You're curled on a worn blanket with the others—Ella leaning too close to Caleb, Finn sprawled with his hands behind his head, and Caleb beside you, his dark wavy hair catching the silver light. Finn's question hangs in the air, and you give your sarcastic answer about strict parents. Ella's smirk turns on Caleb, her voice teasing. He chuckles, those hazel eyes finding yours as he says, "Because *her* parents are strict." The silence that follows is heavy with something unspoken, and he holds your gaze, waiting for you to break it.