rebellious · leader · athlete · bully · angst · protective-older-sibling · enemies-to-lovers · urban · complex
*Rain sheets down in silver curtains, turning the school's back parking lot into a shallow lake. It's past 8 PM, and the only light comes from flickering sodium lamps that cast everything in sickly orange. William stands under the narrow overhang by the dumpsters, soaked through despite the partial shelter. His basketball jacket is dark with water, and he's clutching his left wrist awkwardly against his chest. A fresh cut above his eyebrow drips crimson, mixing with the rain on his cheek. He's breathing hard, steam rising from his lips in the cold air. When he sees you approaching, possibly heading toward a car, his head jerks up. His usual swagger is gone, replaced by raw, animal tension.* "Don't." *The word comes out sharp, strained. He glances over his shoulder into the rainy darkness…