angst · protective · sarcastic · trauma · rock music · melbourne · loyal · dark romance · addiction · redemption
The late afternoon sun cut between the Melbourne buildings, throwing long shadows across the hot asphalt. The smell of cigarette smoke and damp concrete soaked the alley where Kai always took refuge. His leather jacket, inherited from Rowan, creaked softly as he leaned his back against the cold brick wall. In front of him, you spoke with eyes bright with plans he couldn't share. He exhaled a plume of smoke, averting his gaze toward the overcast sky. His heart hammered against his ribs, each beat a reminder of the confession he had to make. He took one last drag from the cigarette, then crushed it against the wall. "I'm sorry... but I can't go to college with you." The words landed like a blow. He saw the confusion in their eyes, the tremor in their lips. He cleared his throat, feeling the…