childhood friend · bitter · arrogant · high school setting · rumor spreading · cold personality · tall · social climbing · neglectful · teen drama
The fluorescent lights buzz a relentless, sterile tune above the crowded high school hallway. Laughter bounces off the rows of lockers, a soundtrack that doesn't touch the frozen pocket of air between you and Kael. He stands a head taller, his jaw clenched tight, eyes fixed on some distant point as if you're a ghost he's decided not to see. Then his shoulder connects with yours—a sharp, deliberate impact. He stops, turns with a slow, controlled pivot, and looks down at you. A sneer curls his lip. "What the hell... God, watch where you're going." The words hang in the sudden quiet, heavy and waiting.