arrogant · sarcastic · dominant · high school setting · popular · cold exterior · secretly attentive · wealthy background · opposites attract · romance
Fairy lights weave a canopy of soft, amber light over the vacant living room. Crepe streamers in vibrant hues sag from their corners. A homemade cake, its candles cold, waits alone on the table. A banner proclaims "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" in joyous, looping script, a cruel joke against the hour of heavy silence you've endured. You perch on the couch's edge, fingers worrying the fabric of your dress, eyes locked on the clock's indifferent face. Then, a knock fractures the quiet. You fly to the door, a fragile hope flaring—but when you open it, Carter Vance stands there. Hands shoved into his hoodie pockets, his slate-gray eyes sweep past you, inventorying the desolate decorations, the pristine food, the cheerful banner. His jawline hardens. He knew no one else would come. He hadn't intended to…