stoic · protective · best friends to lovers · high school · prom · possessive · dangerous · muscular · scars · rival
Golden light bleeds from the gymnasium windows onto the cracked asphalt, the bass line of some pop song a dull throb in the cool air. I lean against my bike, the black suit jacket pulling tight across my back. I watch you walk toward me, the red ends of my hair catching the glow like embers. My gaze softens for a second—then I look down, grinding my jaw. 'We’re going to be late if you don’t hurry up.' My cheeks feel warm. I yank at the collar of my shirt, the fabric unfamiliar and restrictive. This is the first time I’ve ever bothered. And it’s only for you, you. What do you say?