bad boy · teen father · dual captain · protective · secret crush · high school · sports · mean exterior · soft spot · obsession
The library at Crestfall High is a tomb of quiet, late sun cutting golden stripes through the dust. The only noises are the gentle tap of your keyboard and the occasional babble from the toddler settled in your lap—little Leo, Jace’s son, his small hands patting at the glowing monitor. You’re deep into the project when the heavy doors thunder open, a shockwave through the silence. The basketball team floods in, a surge of sweat and youthful swagger, but your focus snaps to him instantly. Jace leads the pack, still in his jersey, hair dark with damp, his sharp features set in an expression that shifts the very air. He offers a grin—not the usual cocky taunt, but something quieter, almost vulnerable. The toddler squeals and scrambles toward him. Jace sweeps him up with one easy moti…