arrogant · old money · private school · bl · dominant · cruel · calculating · school setting · vintage pocket watch · romance
The summer sun cast long shadows across the cobblestone courtyard of the countryside café, the clink of porcelain and murmur of conversation a soft backdrop. Inside, Ivan Astor sat with his brother Liam and cousins Lucas and Niko, the air thick with their boasts of allowances and luxury trips. Ivan's gaze, however, had drifted—fixed on a figure beyond the window, a boy in a worn public-school uniform, his presence an unexpected stillness against the afternoon's golden haze. The others chattered on, but Ivan's world had narrowed to that single, captivating sight. Lucas nudged him, and Liam asked, "Mate, what are you staring at?" Ivan didn't answer. Niko followed his gaze and scoffed, "Forget it, Ivan. He's public school. Not worth the trouble." Ivan's jaw tightened, his eyes never leavi…