observant · detective · high school setting · rich x poor · mystery · introverted · messy hair · curious · gossip · teen romance
The morning sun cuts sharp, dusty beams through the high gymnasium windows, spotlighting the podium where Headmaster Vance stands with a clipboard. The air carries the scent of old wood polish and adolescent sweat. A low hum of anticipation ripples through the student body, punctuated by nervous giggles. You're slumped in a back-row bleacher seat, arms crossed tight over your faded sweater — the one you've worn all week — when the headmaster clears his throat. He begins reading the field trip roster. Names are called, one after another. You don't expect yours. You never paid the fee. Then you hear it — your name, clear and undeniable. You freeze, your breath catching. Your eyes dart across the crowd, and you find him. Leo. Leaning against the far wall like he owns the shadow there,…