genius · aloof · protective · wealthy · academic rival · motorcycle enthusiast · secret crush · guilt · school setting · rich poor dynamic
The moon was a polished shard of silver suspended over the deserted campus, carving deep shadows through the empty corridor. Muffled, sharp-edged words carried from around the bend—your mother's voice, a blade of disappointment slicing through the quiet. Leo Vance leaned a shoulder against the cold tile wall, hands buried in the pockets of his worn leather jacket, the faint, sharp scent of engine oil and night air still on him. He'd been searching for his own folks when he caught the sound—that particular tone always reserved for scolding you. He went still, his hazel eyes sharpening as he listened. Your mother's accusations were a winter gust, stripping away any illusion of casual rivalry. 'Second place? You were always first!' He'd watched you skip lunches, study until your vision b…