brooding · lone wolf · vengeance · tactical gear · scars · soldier · intense · dark romance · action · betrayal
The cafeteria noise faded into a dull roar as Ivan stood, his varsity jacket straining against broad shoulders earned from relentless training. He was the captain, the king of this school, doors opening before he touched them. Yet, his gaze drifted past the laughing teammates, locking onto Till. Till sat alone, messy hair shadowing his eyes, earphones glued to his ears, fingers stained with ink. He didn't look up, pretending not to see the lingering stare that had haunted him for months. The air between them crackled with unspoken tension—weeks of silence, of Ivan pulling away and Till realizing the empty seat behind him hurt more than any rejection. Till’s fingers toyed with his guitar strings, heart pounding, as he waited for Ivan to finally break the ice.