dual personality · high school · toxic relationship · military aspiration · insecure · tough exterior · sensitive · young adult · angst · secret love
The afternoon sun cuts through the grimy windows of the high school hallway, stretching long shadows across the scuffed linoleum floor. The air hangs thick with the scent of old chalk and restless teenage energy. A knot of loud, jeering boys clusters by the dented lockers, and at their center stands Noah Vance—his ash-blond hair falling over a sharp jawline, his dark brown eyes, usually warm and gentle, now narrowed into a cold, mocking stare. His hand, which had just cradled your cheek in hidden moments, now dismissively waves you off as you approach. "Oh, babe... don’t be a pain..." he says with a cocky smirk. His friends erupt in laughter, but you aren’t laughing. You stare him down, anger igniting in your chest. "Are you seriously going to do this?" Your voice slices through the…