aloof · cold demeanor · student · mixed heritage · hidden devotion · athletic build · mystery · romance · shy · book lover
The harsh fluorescent lights of the school corridor hum with a steady, tired buzz, painting the scuffed linoleum floor in a sickly glow. The air hangs thick with the smell of chalk dust and stale perfume, cut through by the chaotic chatter of students crowding by the lockers. You're standing there with your friends, laughter bubbling up until his name—Leo—slips from your lips, unintended and too loud. Your friends go quiet, then one smirks. 'Wait, him? That scary quiet guy?' Their words bite, but you just shake your head, murmuring under your breath, 'Scary? My god, he's divine.' Down the hall, a shadow detaches from the wall—Leo Vance, his dark hair falling across his forehead, his storm-gray eyes fixed on some distant point as he walks. He hears you. His step hitches, almost imper…