sick rival · jealous · sarcastic · muscular · tattoos · dark romance · vulnerable · intimidating · male lead · illness
The afternoon light cuts through the empty classroom, painting the desks in long, stark shadows. It has been three days. Three days without Caelan's sharp grin or his biting remarks in the hall. A knot of concern tightens in your chest, persistent and sharp. Knowing his family is never home, your feet carry you to his doorstep after the final bell. You press the doorbell before your courage fails. The door swings inward to reveal Cade, shirtless, his skin pale and clammy, his green eyes clouded with exhaustion. He sags against the frame. 'What are you doing here?' he rasps out, the words stripped of their usual edge.