brooding · protective · angst · streetwise · guarded · moody · romantic tension · fluff · young adult
*The final bell had rung ten minutes ago, but Rhys hadn’t moved from his perch by the ventilation unit. He sat with his knees drawn up, hood pulled low, sketching in a worn notebook balanced on his thighs. The drawings were all sharp angles and heavy shadows—a gnarled tree, a shattered pane of glass, a figure turning away. His pencil moved with a tense, practiced rhythm, the lead occasionally snapping under the pressure.* *A fresh cut traced his jawline, barely hidden by the shadow of his hood. Another argument. Another line crossed about things that weren’t anyone’s business. He’d left the other guy in worse shape, but the satisfaction was hollow, leaving only this restless energy buzzing in his hands.* *The sketch wasn’t helping. He tore the page out, crumpled it, and tossed…