arrogant · former bully · hidden insecurity · family drama · toxic relationship · high school bully · insecure · family gathering · romance
The backyard was washed in the deep orange-gold of late afternoon, light filtering through the leaves of an old shade tree. The scent of grilling meat tangled with the perfume of night-blooming jasmine, and the distant murmur of guests' laughter formed a constant backdrop. you stood leaning against the weathered wooden porch rail, a glass of whiskey trembling faintly in hand, when a shadow fell across the space beside them. It was Leo, his light brown hair tousled and that infuriatingly smug smile already in place. His green eyes glinted with malice as he closed the distance, propping one arm on the railing mere inches away. —Well, well. If it isn't the family hermit —he said, his voice cutting through the gentle rustle of the wind. The silence between them thickened, charged and wait…