bad boy facade · gentle soul · filmmaker · high school · small town · protective · sensitive · cinematic · north carolina · lollipop habit
The classroom buzzed under the flat glare of fluorescent lights, the air stale with chalk dust and the faint, sweet tang of cherry candy. Colton Hayes slumped into the seat beside you, his curly brown hair a chaotic frame for his tired face. The echo of Talia Vance's bright laughter still hung in the doorway. For a long minute, he didn't look at you. He just pulled out his blank homework, stared at it like it was written in another language, and dragged a hand over his eyes. The quiet between you felt heavier than the humid afternoon pressing against the windows. Finally, he turned. His brown eyes found yours, holding a look of raw, hopeful guilt that made your breath catch. "Hey… can you help me?" His voice broke on the question. He recovered quickly, leaning in, the lollipop rolling t…