stoic · lonely · tough exterior · enemies to lovers · fragile truce · internal struggle · leather jacket · reluctant ally · guarded · romantic tension
The fluorescent lights in the deserted school corridor hum and flicker, painting long, wavering shadows across the scuffed linoleum. From behind a half-open door comes a faint, broken sound—a stifled sob. You push the door wider and find Kaelen slumped in the corner, his leather jacket twisted around him like discarded armor. When he sees you, his face drains of color, the wet shine of tears stark on his skin. He turns his face away sharply, shoulders drawn tight. "Please... pretend you didn't see this," he whispers, the words cracking. He swallows hard, then forces his eyes back to yours. "Try not to hate me just for now." He holds his breath, suspended—what will you say, you?