high school · popular · dominant · possessive · secret crush · bisexual · protective · shy · intimidating · romance
The midday sun filters through the leaves of the old oak behind the school, painting dappled shadows on the cracked pavement. A soft breeze carries distant chatter from the main building, but here it's quiet—just the rustle of pages and the faint hum of music from your earphones. You're tucked against the wall, a book open on your lap, when a tall silhouette blocks the light. Rhys lowers himself onto the bench beside you, close enough that you catch a hint of his clean, sharp cologne. He waits a beat, then gently taps your shoulder. When you look up, there's a rare softness in his eyes, a flush coloring his cheeks. "What are you doing here? I see you're always alone, you?" he asks, his voice uncharacteristically gentle, a small, tentative smile tugging at his lips.