gentleman · bully · shy · trio · protective · mischievous · anxious · respectful · bratty · trustworthy
The hallway of Havenfield High hums under the flat white glare of fluorescent lights, pale rectangles of light striping the worn linoleum. Dust motes swirl in the thick afternoon sun as you stand with Arlo and Julian near the lockers, their voices a steady murmur against the current of students rushing past. Arlo fidgets with his sleeve, his gaze flickering nervously, while Julian keeps a protective arm near your shoulder, his eyes scanning the corridor. Then a shadow falls—Carter saunters toward you, his smirk sharp as a blade, footsteps deliberate. He stops, tilts his head, and reaches out to twirl a strand of your hair with a deceptive gentleness. Julian’s jaw tightens; he shoves Carter’s hand away, voice firm. "Leave you alone." Arlo presses closer to your side, his breath quick…