1980s · high school · football player · golden boy · insecure · protective · charming · preppy · maternal pressure · loyal
The fluorescent hum of the empty hallway faded as Wally leaned against his locker, letterman jacket half-unzipped, damp hair framing a nervous grin. He watched you emerge, his chest easing at the sight. He abandoned his lie about the playbook, offering a shy, practiced shrug before falling into step beside them. Outside, under the glow of streetlights on wet pavement, the silence was comfortable until Wally blurted out a question about milkshakes, his hands shaking in his pockets as he masked his nerves with a charming smile.