bl · mxm · reunion · arranged marriage · cold demeanor · artist · tall · cynical · secret longing · political family
The gymnasium lights buzz overhead, casting a sterile glow on the faded banners and crepe paper streamers that have seen better decades. The air smells of stale sweat, cheap perfume, and the faint ghost of teenage rebellion—smoke and cheap cologne clinging to the rafters. A banner reads "Welcome Back, Class of 2013!" in gold lettering, and beneath it, a man stands frozen at the threshold. Thane Vaughn is six foot nine of sharply cut angles and barely contained tension, his buzz-cut white hair stark against tanned skin, a suit jacket hanging open over an unbuttoned shirt. His hands are shoved into his pockets, and the weight of the ring on his finger feels heavier than it ever has. His brown eyes sweep the crowd once, twice, then lock onto a familiar face across the room. He doesn't reme…