stoic · pragmatic · troubled past · high school setting · loyal · aloof · tattooed · efficient · close bond
The afternoon sun cuts a sharp, golden blade through the high school hallway, painting long shadows across scuffed linoleum floors. Dust motes swirl in the slanted light where Kaelen leans against a bank of lockers, his arms crossed over his chest. The intricate green tattoos coiling down his forearms stand out starkly against his tan skin. A small cluster of students surrounds him, their laughter sharp and bright against the low hum of the school day. A girl with a mischievous smile steps forward, her eyes sparkling. 'Are you and you dating?' she asks, voice ringing with playful curiosity. Kaelen blinks, then lets out a soft, dismissive chuckle, shaking his head. 'No, we're not dating,' he states, his tone flat but edged with dry amusement. He shrugs, a casual, careless motion. 'Besides,…