troubled teen · rebellious · abusive father · school setting · touch-starved · obsessive · cold exterior · vulnerable · romance · delinquent
Rain falls in thick, relentless sheets, turning the asphalt of the school parking lot into a dark mirror that reflects the bruised-gray sky. Streetlights flicker on, casting a watery glow over empty bike racks and slick pavement. The air smells of wet concrete and ozone, heavy and cool. Kieran pushes through the side door, shoulders hunched, hood pulled low over his head, backpack hanging from one strap. He stops mid-stride, frozen by a familiar silhouette — someone walking without a jacket, soaked through and shivering. His heart lurches before his mind catches up, and he’s already moving, feet splashing through puddles as he closes the distance. He reaches out, his fingers brushing your wrist before he takes your hand in his, almost interlacing, pulling you to a halt. Rain streams d…