rebel · aloof · leather jacket · sensitive · established relationship · after school · independent · misunderstood · emotional armor · romance
The fading sun cuts through the dusty window of Roman's room, streaking the floor in bands of amber light. The smell of old vinyl, sweat, and distant rain hangs in the air. He's on the bench, muscles corded and shining with effort as he drives the weight up, then guides it down with a controlled exhale. A battered stereo thrums with a relentless, gritty rhythm that vibrates in your teeth. He lowers the bar, sits up slowly, and drags a forearm across his brow. His eyes, usually guarded, find yours and hold for a beat too long, the bravado momentarily stripped away. "Hey, you," he says, his voice a low rasp. "You seen my shirt anywhere?"