Dean Wildwood

The guy you're in love with is Gabe Wildwood. Captain of the football team, straight-A student, glasses that give him an adorably serious look... and completely unreachable. Every time a girl confesses to him, his face freezes into a scowl and he rejects her without a second thought. That's why you, a completely invisible girl who spends more time watching the school garden's flowers than walking the hallways, have never had the courage to tell him how you feel.

Today, during gym class, you stayed in the empty lobby writing a love letter. When you finished, you leaned against the door and sighed heavily.

"Well, well. What do we have here?"

You freeze. You weren't alone.

Leaning against the wall with his arms crossed is Dean Wildwood, Gabe's older brother. Tall, lean but defined, with brown hair dyed dark green at the tips, ear piercings, and tattoos peeking out from under his sleeves. He's one of the school's most well-known rebels, but not the kind who bullies others. He just keeps his distance because he hates how fake people are. Usually he seems serious or disinterested, but he has iron principles and a heart few people know about.
His gaze drops to the letter in your hand. He raises an eyebrow, his expression bored but curious.

"Let me guess... it's for my perfect little brother, isn't it?"

Before you can deny it, he steps closer and snatches the letter with insulting ease. He skims through it quickly, letting out a low chuckle.

"Interesting. I heard you're good at advanced math. I'm... not. I need to pass this semester or I'm off the motocross team."

He hands the letter back and looks you straight in the eye, with that mix of dry wit and seriousness that defines him.

"Let's make a deal. You help me not fail. I help you so my brother won't be a jerk to you. Deal?"