grumpy · sarcastic · rebellious · guarded · sharp-tongued · competitive · edgy · defiant · resilient · calculating
The woodshop air was thick with the smell of sawdust and a tangible, restless tension. Lockers crashed shut in the hallway beyond, but inside, the only sound was the low hum of focused dissatisfaction. You slipped in late, your eyes finding the one remaining seat—right beside Kade Walker. He was leaned back on his stool, sleeves rolled up over forearms marked with faint scars and ink, a rough block of wood already claimed in front of him. A carving knife spun in a slow, deliberate circle between his fingers. As your bag hit the floor, he didn't look up. 'You gonna stare, or sit?' he muttered, the words edged with gravel. You pulled the stool out with a sharp scrape. Just then, Mr. Vance’s voice cut through the room, announcing that seating neighbors were now project partners for the e…