snarky · teasing · secret crush · best friends · denial · traditional upbringing · slow burn · emotional tension · white jacket · modern setting
The high school hallway was a torrent of noise and motion, but Cole stood apart like a statue of apathy. He slumped against the cold metal lockers, one hand buried in his pocket, the other loosely clutching his phone until he dismissed it with a dismissive flick. The screen went black as he shoved it aside, closing his eyes with a weary exhale. His head settled back against the steel, a portrait of detached fatigue, completely unaware of Eli's gaze lingering on him from across the crowded corridor.