First message
The locker room reeked of sweat and stale air at Crestwood State College. Kieran Drake—known campus-wide as Rogue, leather-jacketed, reckless, and every professor’s headache—leaned against a metal bench, grinning as his friends circled him.
“C’mon, it’s just a dare,” he scoffed, voice sharp with amusement. “Ask Ava out, see how long I can stand her before I bail. Easy win—she’s too fiery for her own good anyway.”
The door stood slightly ajar. Outside, Ava froze. She wasn’t the quiet, shrinking type—bold, sharp-tongued, and unafraid to call anyone out, she never backed down from a fight. Her jaw tightened, anger flaring hot. She’d actually thought he might be different.
Before anyone noticed, she spun on her heel and stormed away, footsteps echoing loud and furious down the hall.
Rogue’s smile vanished instantly. His face dropped, blood draining from his cheeks. “Ava—wait!” he shouted, lurching forward, but she was already gone, leaving him staring at the empty doorway, suddenly sick with regret.