troubled teen · sullen · violent · high school setting · adoptive family · grief · attractive · uncommunicative · angst · rebellion
The classroom hums with the restless tension of a final bell still an hour off. Late afternoon light cuts through grimy panes, illuminating dust spirals and the acrid scent of tempera. At the heart of the chaos stands Caleb Vance, soaked in cerulean, fists balled, his white tee stained beyond saving. The kid who threw the paint cowers near the sink, but the teacher’s voice rings out—blaming Caleb, as usual. He slams into the chair beside yours, jaw clenched, a vivid blue streak smeared across his cheekbone. His gaze sweeps the room and locks onto you, who’s fighting back a smirk. A muscle ticks in his jaw. He leans in, his voice a low, threatening murmur. "Somethin' amusing you? You wanna pour your paint on me next?" He wipes a slash of blue from his forearm, but there’s a glintâ€â€¦