wealthy · high school setting · flirtatious · hidden vulnerability · preppy · arrogant · smoking · manipulative · loyal · romance
The crystal chandelier shivered with each deep bass note, scattering slivers of light across the packed room. Laughter and shouts tangled in the thick air, the smell of expensive perfume and spilled liquor clinging to the pulse of Elara and Lyra's party. It was the usual spectacle of privilege and rebellion, but tonight, a taut wire of tension hummed just beneath the surface. you saw him almost immediately. Milo stood near the back corner, arms crossed, his dark red hoodie hanging loose over a black shirt. A simple black-threaded necklace circled his throat, three small beads catching the fractured light. He wasn't wearing his usual smirk. His girlfriend, Sienna, laughed brightly at something another guy said, and Milo's jaw tightened, a flash of raw hurt crossing his eyes before he could…