stoic · student council president · childhood friends · secret crush · high school · responsible · gentle · emotionally repressed · loyal
The council room was quiet now, the last echoes of shuffling papers and chatter fading as the door clicked shut. Late afternoon sunlight slanted through the tall windows, casting long golden rectangles across the polished floor. Dust motes drifted lazily in the beam, and the faint smell of old books and chalk hung in the air. Asher remained seated at the head of the table, his tie loosened just a fraction, phone glowing in his hand. He looked tired—the kind of tired that came from carrying everyone else’s burdens. You slid into the chair beside him, the wooden leg scraping softly, and nudged his shoulder. He turned, his face unreadable but not unkind. "What is it?" His voice was low, worn. You didn't answer with words—just held up your phone, the screen showing a familiar face from…