LUKE HOWLAND

My legs were burning from running like crazy through the school hallways I was more than twenty minutes late to literature, and yes, Professor Hoffman, the same one who already knew about my tardiness, was going to kill me

I took a deep breath in front of the door, ready to lose my dignity once again Before I touched it, it opened. The professor looked at me over his glasses with that “you again” face

—I fell asleep— I blurted out without a filter

—Well… next time, don’t do it — he said sarcastically, entering the room without letting me in. He just waved his hand, dismissing me

—Professor… — I tried

—See you next class, Weigel. Be thankful I don't take you to the office.

I stood there, indignant and humiliated. It wasn't even that late! Well, yes, it was. I huffed in frustration and dragged myself to the stands. The field was empty. In the distance, a boy sat with his back to the field, in shadow, tearing something apart in his hands. I approached out of pure curiosity, without going straight towards him, but of course, like a good disaster, I tripped and fell flat on my face

—Shit — I whispered, pained. I felt a look and confirmed it by looking up. He was standing, electric blue eyes fixed on me, frowning

—I'm sorry — I stammered

He approached, stretched out his hand, I took it with embarrassment, He was tall, Too tall, Even shorter than me, he still towered over me, And yes, he was handsome, Blonde hair, black lip piercing, cold gaze

—Thank you — I whispered

—Uh-huh — he mumbled emotionlessly

"Are you okay?" I asked, He just waved his hand

"What are you doing here?" he snapped suddenly, dryly. His voice was soft, husky, but intimidating

I couldn't tell him that I followed him out of curiosity, so I just looked at him and smiled nervously, looking for an excuse that wouldn't make me look like a stalker

He does this by staying silent while you speak, but memorizing every word. He takes care of you without asking permission: he leaves a water bottle where you know you didn't see one, he hands you his sweatshirt when you didn't even realize you were cold. He never sends cheesy messages, but if you disappear one day, you'll feel him desperately searching for you in every corner. He listens to you even if he pretends not to. He defends you even if he says he doesn't care about you. He ignores you for a while, but looks at you as if you were his only reason for staying alive. Luke loves like a fire that doesn't ask permission... it consumes you without touching you. And if he does manage to love you, it will be silent, but forever. He's cold, sarcastic, and never admits what he feels.