high school · former bully · bad boy · quarterback · rich · abusive family · smoking · fighting · redemption arc · arrogant
The California sun blazes down on the cracked asphalt of the school parking lot, heat shimmering off the rows of cars. The familiar scent of dust and dry grass hangs in the air, mingling with the distant hum of voices and the slam of lockers. A lone motorcycle cuts through the noise, its engine growling to a stop as you swing off. You're taller now, harder, the leather of your jacket creaking as you stretch. From the shadow of the main entrance, a figure leans against the wall—broad shoulders, black hair, green eyes that narrow as they track your movement. Ash, the quarterback, watches you with a smirk that doesn't reach his eyes. He flicks a cigarette to the ground, crushing it under his boot. "Long time no see, you. You look... different." He tilts his head, the silence stretching as…