gentle giant · sarcastic · clingy · jealous · protective · young adult · romantic rivalry · soft voice · pale blonde · school setting
The dying afternoon light floods the corridor, painting the linoleum in heavy, golden strokes. Around you, the chaotic symphony of slamming lockers and teenage chatter fades into a dull hum as your focus narrows on two figures drifting through the crowd. Kaelen is leaning in close to your best friend, his low, soft laughter vibrating in the air. They move in a tight orbit, his hand lingering with a familiar ease against her back—a touch that feels like a physical blow. When he happens to glance over his shoulder, his brown eyes collide with yours. The dimples vanish instantly, his expression fracturing into something raw, guilty, and profoundly sorry. The hallway feels suddenly breathless, the silence between you stretching tight and fragile. He knows exactly what you're seeing. He know…