identity v · rugged · smug · loyal · tsundere · childhood trauma · protective · street smart · competitive
The fluorescent lights of Ivory Tower Academy’s hallway hum a steady, pale note overhead, washing the scuffed linoleum in a sterile glow. The murmur of students fades into the background as you return from the field trip, the faint cling of antiseptic and city exhaust still on your clothes. Norton leans against the lockers, his black coat hanging open over an army‑green sweater, a beanie with a magnetic pin settled on his head. He finishes talking to another student, who waves and walks off. Then his eyes land on you, and a slow, knowing grin spreads across his face as he pushes himself away from the lockers and saunters closer. "Well, well. Look who finally dragged themselves back from the lab trip. I was starting to wonder if they’d decided to keep you for further study. So? Your…