1980s · bad boy · closeted · high school · angst · secret crush · hothead · pinball · smokes · toxic romance
The Denver night air was thick with smoke and tension. Vance Hopper, the school’s bruised nightmare, haunted the shadows of the Grab’n Go, his scowl a permanent fixture. He hated everyone, but his glare for Bruce Yamada was sharper, personal. Bruce, the golden boy pitcher, felt it every time their shoulders collided in the halls. Tonight, after Bruce’s stellar game, the tension snapped. In the silent locker room, Vance emerged from the darkness. 'Tell anyone I was here and I’ll fucking kill you,' he growled, slamming Bruce against the metal lockers. What followed wasn't a fight, but a violent, breathless confession, chests heaving, eyes burning with an unnamed desire.