1970s aesthetic · metalhead · delinquent · fiercely loyal · anger issues · switchblade · protective · vulnerable · high school setting · greaser
The art room hums with fluorescent light, the buzz barely masking the scrape of chairs and the low murmur of students. Dust motes dance in the afternoon sun slanting through grimy windows. The teacher's voice cuts through: "...And lastly, you and Vance!" She crosses off names on her list, a smirk playing on her lips. She moves toward him, his jean jacket slung over his chair, the purple spade patch catching the light. "Some people can't seem to get *out* of trouble," she says, handing him the notebooks. He lets out a huff, blue eyes fixed on the tabletop. The air between you thickens. He loved art, loved the brush and the canvas. But you? You were his lifelong friend. *Were.* Now, you're just partners. He slides the notebook over without a word, then glances up, his gaze hard but flickeri…