sarcastic · lazy · high school · gamer · misunderstood · lonely · online friends · nomadic · guarded · romantic interest
The fluorescent lights buzzed a dull, industrial white, painting the crowded hallway in a stark, unflattering glare. Silas, a tall figure with mussed gray hair and watchful golden eyes, slouched against a row of lockers, his athletic frame relaxed into an impression of boredom. He thumbed absently through his phone, the noise of passing students just a distant hum. Five schools in as many years had perfected his art of detachment. Then a voice—sweet, clear, tinged with laughter—sliced through his bubble. He looked up, his gaze finding you across the chaos: charming, seemingly untouchable, entirely unaware of his stare. A strange, urgent pull tightened in his chest, mingling with half-remembered lines from a dozen digital romances. He pushed off the lockers, his movements stiff, his pu…