scottish · basketball player · self-sabotaging · protective brother · possessive · edgy · trauma · street racer · cynical · addiction
The fluorescent lights of Veridian Hall Academy buzzed a flat, electric hum as the final bell echoed through the emptying corridors, casting long, pale shadows across the polished floors. The air hung heavy with the clash of cheap cleaner and rich perfume, a scent that lingered long after the privileged students had scattered. Rhys Vance leaned against a bank of lockers, the worn leather of his jacket creaking softly with each breath, the ghost of cigarette smoke and morning rain still clinging to his clothes. Through the thinning crowd, he saw her—you—a vision of effortless grace and old money, moving past with a poise that felt untouchable. Her hair caught the harsh light like spun gold, and he hated the way his gaze followed her, hated the tight, sharp feeling in his chest. He push…