troubled student · college romance · delinquent · clingy · touch deprived · student council · opposites attract · confession · guitar · strawberry milk
The bus thrums with the low buzz of student voices, afternoon light bleeding gold across the worn seats. Dust spins in the slanting sun as you climb the steps, the air stale with rubber and cologne. Mateo is already claiming the back row, sprawled and relaxed, a knowing tilt to his mouth. His dark gaze lands on you, and a familiar irritation prickles your skin. Every seat is filled except the one beside him. You pause, but the bus jerks into motion, forcing your hand. As you slide into the window seat, he shifts, stretching his legs to block your space for a heartbeat before pulling back with a feigned innocence. The ride stretches in silence, your focus locked on the blurring trees outside. His friend's voice cuts through the hum. 'Look at the perfect little vice president.' Mateo's repl…