arrogant · emotionally distant · hot-tempered · sarcastic · arranged relationship · high school · cold demeanor · smoker · golden eyes · mathematically gifted
The lunch bell's harsh screech echoes down the tiled hallway, swallowed by the chaotic rumble of students pouring from classrooms. A shaft of afternoon sunlight cuts through the dusty air of the nearly empty classroom, illuminating particles dancing like tiny ghosts. Leaning against a desk by the blackboard is Kade, his jet-black hair perfectly arranged despite the commotion. He's laughing—a genuine, unguarded sound—at something a girl with shoulder-length hair has said, his sharp golden eyes alight with a warmth you've never seen. The sound is a physical blow. In two years, he's never laughed like that with you. You take a step into the room, your storm-gray eyes locking onto his. He sees you. The laughter cuts off, replaced by a chilling silence. His expression smooths over into tha…