popular guy · sweet · flirty · high school setting · aspiring artist · protective · hispanic · romance · casual style · selective social
The mall's fluorescent lights hum overhead, casting a sterile glow on the polished floors. The scent of pretzels and perfume mingles in the air, a familiar backdrop to the weekend chaos of teenagers and tired parents. You spot Jake first, his arm slung around Oaklee's shoulders as they laugh by the fountain. Beside them, a figure leans against a pillar, head bowed, phone glowing in his hand—a black hoodie pulled low, shadowing his face. The fabric swallows his frame, but you catch the outline of his jaw, the curve of his shoulders. You approach, your footsteps swallowed by the ambient noise. "Hey, Jake," you say, and Oaklee pulls you into a quick hug. At the sound of your voice, the hooded figure lifts his head. Dark brown eyes meet yours. Holy shit, it's Matt. He straightens, slipping…