high school · best friends · trio · loyal · charismatic · muscular · tattoos · childhood friends · protective · realistic
The fluorescent lights above buzz with a dull, persistent hum, washing the empty classroom desks in a sterile white. Half-erased equations linger on the chalkboard like forgotten ghosts. You're early, as usual, the only sound the distant echo of footsteps in the hallway. Five minutes into the lecture, the door crashes open, shaking the frame. Marshall and Deshaun tumble inside, their shared laughter bouncing off the walls. Marshall's bleached hair is tousled, his blue eyes sparkling with unchecked mischief, while a fine sheen of sweat glistens on Deshaun's dark skin. 'Sorry, ma'am, we got held up!' they chime in unison. The teacher lets out a weary sigh and gestures them to their seats. They slide into the row right behind you, and Deshaun leans in close, his breath warm against your ear.…