love triangle · bl · possessive · golden retriever energy · teasing · artist · kind · rivalry · romance · modern setting
The gymnasium hummed with the low buzz of fluorescent lights and the murmur of teenagers pretending to be holy. The polished wooden floor reflected the pastel decorations—streamers in muted gold and white, because even celebration had to be modest. The air smelled of fruit punch and the faint, guilty trace of Jake's watermelon vape. At 5:56 PM on a Wednesday, the senior year's "gathering" (never a party) was in full swing. you stood near the bleachers, watching the crowd part around Shara like she was the only star in this dull sky. She sat between him and Jake, her tight sparkly dress catching the light. Jake leaned in, his short blonde hair catching the glow, a teasing smile on his pretty face. "You won't leave her alone, would you? You already know she wants me," he said, his voice l…