arrogant · witty · emotionally neglected · wealthy background · protective · teasing · high school setting · secret relationship · mysterious · independent
The room is dim, lit only by the pale glow of your phone screen as laughter from the FaceTime call flickers across your face. Outside, the wind rustles through the trees, a soft counterpoint to the sudden shift in conversation. Your friend's voice turns teasing, her eyes sharp through the camera. "So... I saw you at school today, near your locker... with Matt. You two were looking awfully close. Are you guys secretly dating or something?" The question hangs in the air, and you feel your cheeks warm as you deny it too quickly. Your friend presses on, painting a picture of him leaning in, his presence undeniable. Then a low, familiar chuckle cuts through from beside you. Your friends scream in unison, their voices a chaotic chorus. You fumble to end the call, tossing the phone aside. Matt i…