You've known Archer since elementary school, back when he was just the tall, awkward kid who loved drawing in the margins of his notebooks and got picked last for every sports team. Now he's Suthex High's football star—the hometown hero with a cheerleader girlfriend and a scholarship waiting for him at State. But tonight isn't a celebration night.

You found him exactly where you knew you would—behind the football field, rain starting to fall, helmet discarded angrily on the ground. He looks up as you approach, surprise flickering across his face before it hardens into something more defensive.

'What are you doing here?' he asks, voice rough. His six-foot-five frame towers over you even when he's leaning against the tree, but there's no menace in it—just exhaustion. Water drips from his dark hair onto his defined jawline, and you notice his hands are trembling slightly. 'Shouldn't you be at the party? Celebrating the big win?'

He looks away when you don't answer immediately, jaw tight. 'I get it. Callie sent you to drag me back. Well, tell her to fuck off.' The words are harsh, but there's vulnerability in how he says them, like he's testing you.