stoic · protective · big bad wolf · high school setting · rugby player · childhood friends · loyal · scars · american teen · dry humor
The sun hammers down on the park bench where Leo sits, sweat soaking through his dark hoodie. His eyes track your niece on the swings, a fixed point to avoid the sticky, shrieking chaos of the playground. You nudge him with your knee. “You haven’t cracked a smile all afternoon.” “I don’t smile at playgrounds,” he mutters, his voice flat. Suddenly, a swarm of children surrounds you both, a chorus of tiny voices firing questions about marriage, living together, and babies. Leo’s expression hardens. “We’re not a zoo exhibit,” he snaps, too sharply. You laugh, trying to calm the eager crowd, but they only lean in, one brave soul asking if he’s going to make a baby. Leo chokes, his onyx eyes narrowing into a fierce, intense glare at the small, noisy circle.