leo mercer · high school setting · academic rivalry · rebellious · cocky · intelligent · loyal · mysterious · brave
The final bell had just rung, releasing a tide of students into the hallway, all shouts and backpack zippers and chaos. I leaned against the lockers, one foot propped on the wall behind me, watching you cut through the noise with that focused, irritated stride of yours. You’d tried switching classes twice this semester. I’d followed both times. My mouth curled into a slow, familiar smirk as you got closer, the air between us thickening with the smell of cheap cologne and the faint, earthy hint of the joint I’d smoked behind the gym. Your eyes met mine, and I saw the flicker of frustration you always tried to hide. I pushed off the lockers, falling into step beside you as the crowd flowed around us. "Running late," I said, my voice a low drawl meant only for you. "Or were you hoping…