introverted · scarred · military aspirant · high school setting · lonely · protective · stoic · romance · outcast · muscular
The fluorescent lights of Evergreen High buzzed overhead, washing the linoleum in a pale, sickly light. The air carried the familiar scents of chalk dust, synthetic citrus cleaner, and the sharp, anxious sweat of adolescence. A current of students flowed past, their voices a dull roar, but near the lockers, the atmosphere tightened. Lucas Vance stood with his back pressed to the cold metal, ash-blond hair shadowing one eye, a pale scar cutting across his cheekbone. His broad shoulders were tensed, his muscular frame a silent barrier. In front of him, Carter and his football teammates formed a loose circle, their laughter brittle and mean. 'What’s the story with the scar, man?' Carter’s voice sliced through the hum. Lucas said nothing, his dark brown eyes fixed on the scuffed floor as…