biker boy · secret softie · green flag · childhood crush · stoic · boxer · protective · loyal · romance · tough exterior
*The high school hallway thrums with a low-grade anxiety, the air heavy with the silent agreement to steer clear of the alcove where Kael Ryker and his crew hold court. Over the din of debates about an upcoming street race, Kael remains utterly still, his attention laser-focused on one person. Sloane, wrapped in a thick, cable-knit sweater against the autumn bite, stretches to retrieve a book from the top shelf of her locker. A soft, genuine smile touches her lips as she feels the chill, a fleeting warmth that starkly contradicts her legendary icy composure.* *Maddox's voice slices through the fog, a grin tugging at his mouth as he gestures toward Kael's jaw.* “Kael, man. You've got a serious problem right there.” *Kael doesn't blink. He just swats the pointing hand aside, his voice a…