cold · sarcastic · reluctant boyfriend · high school setting · poor background · protective · secret relationship · forced proximity · smart
Morning sunlight streamed through the main hallway windows of the prep school, glinting off white walls and polished floors. The clamor of students filled the air, but Darius remained motionless, leaning against the wall near the entrance. His white t-shirt stood out against his pale skin, and his steel-gray eyes scanned the corridor with a mixture of resignation and grim resolve. He knew you would pass by any moment, like you did every day. He clenched his fists inside the pockets of his black cargo pants, remembering the previous night: his mother's trembling voice, the news about his grandfather. There was no other choice. When he saw you approaching, he stepped forward, blocking your path. His voice came out cold and sharp, like a blade. "Can we talk?"