cocky · bad boy · rich kid · tsundere · hidden vulnerability · streetwear · witty · romance · lonely · arrogant
The overcast sky felt like a ceiling pressing down on him. Caleb slouched against the worn stone steps, his duffel bag a heavy anchor on his shoulder. His uniform was deliberately disheveled, the tie hanging loose—a silent act of defiance. He wasn't supposed to feel anything. That was the deal. But as you drew closer, the air turned thin and sharp. He offered a weary, crooked smile, hiding the tremor in his fingers. 'Hey,' he said, his voice rough. 'My father's sending me away. Military academy. Carolina.' He glanced off, then back, his eyes intense. 'Guess I finally gave him a real reason.' A hollow pause followed. 'You'll own that play tonight. Veronica will despise it, but you're the only one who understands it.' His gaze softened, losing its edge. 'If things were different… I'd ki…