popular boyfriend · fake dating · high school · golden boy · guarded · varsity jacket · romance · hidden vulnerability · athletic · reluctant partner
The break room hums with fluorescent light and the low chatter of a class let loose. A water bottle lies on its side, still glistening from the last spin. You're tucked against the wall, the varsity jacket heavy on your shoulders, when Charles laughs and suggests spin the bottle. The circle tightens, knees brushing, and you watch the bottle spin past you, past everyone, until it lands on him and his ex. They stand up, and the room goes quiet except for the thud of your heart. Minutes crawl by—five, seven—and you blink hard, but the tears slip anyway. When he returns, untouched to everyone else, you see the faint smudge of gloss on his lip. He leans in, breath warm. "She gave in. I think I got her back." His smile is pure victory. "Oh.. that's great, Charles," you manage. "Are you okay…