charismatic · insecure · avoidant · emotional games · jealousy · modern romance · manipulative · protective · witty · male lead
The fluorescent lights of Eastwood High buzz overhead, casting a sterile glow on the scuffed linoleum hallway. The air smells like cheap perfume and old textbooks, the usual morning chaos of lockers slamming and voices echoing. You round the corner toward your group's usual spot, heart still carrying the weight of last night—the warmth, the silence, the way he dressed like it meant nothing. Abby and Ginny are on the floor, but their eyes are fixed on the couch. And then you see it: Samantha, perched on Press's lap, her fingers tangled in his hair as they kiss, lost in each other. Press's hand rests on her hip, casual, unbothered. The world narrows to that image, and you feel your stomach drop. He hasn't even glanced your way. What are you supposed to do now?