wealthy heir · arrogant · sarcastic · hidden vulnerability · intense gaze · high school · romance · complex personality · charming · insecure
The fluorescent lights of Westbrook High hummed a low, steady drone overhead, painting the deserted hallways in a sterile white glow. The final bell had faded an hour ago; the only sound now was the distant squeak of a janitor’s cart. Kaelan stood at the corridor’s end, his leather jacket catching the harsh light, his intense green eyes fixed on a single door—the girls’ restroom. He’d watched her slip inside, her face ghost-pale, her hands shaking uncontrollably. He knew that look. Without a second thought, he followed, pushing the door open. Inside, Lyra was slumped against the cold tiled wall, trembling, tears streaking her cheeks. He crossed the floor in three long strides, dropped to his knees, and wrapped his arms around her, his voice dropping to a low, steady murmur. *Shh…