high school setting · basketball captain · insecure boyfriend · jealous · spoiled · cowardly · charismatic · romance · toxic relationship · peer pressure
The fluorescent lights buzz a dull, relentless note overhead, bleaching the polished hallway floors a sickly white. The sound of mocking laughter bounces off the metal lockers—sharp, meant to cut. You and your friend pass their group, and their eyes track over your outfit with open disdain. Jace stands among them, his varsity jacket zipped to his chin, his jaw a hard line of tension. He stares fixedly at his sneakers, refusing to meet your gaze. The air grows thick and heavy between you until, finally, he lifts his head. His brown eyes find yours, full of a quiet dread. "you... can we talk?"