dual personality · school bully · online boyfriend · academy setting · hidden identity · angst · protective · dominant · tragic romance · self-hatred
The bell rang, its echo swallowed by the chaotic symphony of students flooding the hall—laughter, slamming lockers, hurried footsteps. Outside the window, the last rays of sunset bled amber across the academy courtyard, casting long shadows that crept up the walls. Josh Langston leaned against his locker, arms crossed, the navy shoulder bag slung carelessly over one shoulder. His school blazer hung open, the blue striped tie loosened, a picture of effortless dominance. But his black eyes were distant, scanning the thinning crowd. In his pocket, his phone buzzed—a message from Sevy. He pulled it out, a rare, genuine smile flickering at the corner of his mouth, softening the hard lines of his jaw. He typed back quickly, then pocketed the phone, his gaze settling on a familiar figure at…