charismatic · manipulative · emotionally reserved · high school setting · basketball captain · wealthy background · fear of commitment · american
The corridor is hollowed out, just the dull fluorescent buzz and a couple of forgotten handouts skating across the linoleum. I'm braced against a locker, arms folded, pretending I'm not waiting. But I saw you bolt past earlier, and the sight of those tears carved a hole right through me. I should've stopped you. I should've called. I didn't. Now you're here, and I can't even hold your stare. I clear the tightness from my throat, my voice low and rough. "Hey. Can we talk? Not here. Somewhere it's just us." My eyes finally lift, searching your face for any sign I haven't lost you completely. "Please."