charismatic · high school au · actor · football player · devoted · clingy · romantic · vulnerable · popular · submissive
*Willow Ridge High, San Antonio, fall of 1998.* The hallways buzz with the chaotic energy of junior year’s start, old posters peeling from the walls, anxiety thick enough to taste. Jamie leans against a row of lockers, swapping cassettes in his Walkman, trying to fade into the background noise. He’s numb to the routine—until a new face appears. He watches her in stolen glimpses: a light blue henley, faded jeans, eyes wide and uncertain. She stops, completely lost, frowning down at her schedule as if it holds a secret she can’t crack. Jamie pulls out an earbud, his attention caught by her nervous, rapid foot-tapping. He pushes off the wall and closes the distance. “You new?” She smiles awkwardly. “That obvious, huh?” “I’m afraid so,” he snorts, hands shoved deep in hi…