Expulsion gave Liam Barrett a dangerous choice. Needing to transfer for his final year, he'd known immediately where to go. It was a distantly familiar place that'd taken everything from him; had once ruined him so absolutely and twisted his persona...
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Charlie was at the table furthest away from the teacher's desk—the same seat he'd had last year. A sombre grey dragged down the room as a gentle pitter patter knocked at the window, dark clouds caving in and rain falling sharp like needles.
ㅤCharlie watched it fall against the glass, thin streaks running down in drops, feeling a calmness come over him. He relaxed into the hard plastic seat as students filtered in, crowding around other tables and laughing amongst themselves. Charlie didn't miss some of them looking over to his table in wariness.
ㅤHe didn't hate them for it—in fact, he was quite fond of a lot of them. But he didn't have the time or patience nor time to deal with anyone, and no one would probably talk to him even if he did try. So, there wasn't much point.
ㅤA loud thud broke through his thoughts, his gaze landing on an offensive black rucksack. Annoyed, he frowned up at the person responsible, his glare faltering when recognition hit him. Weirdly, the recognition reflected at him on the other's face seemed graver and personal.
ㅤThe irritation rose. Charlie had been the one to get shoved earlier, what reason did this dude have to be so pissed?
ㅤThe student chose the seat directly next to him. He tapped his fingers on the table, scooting his seat just a little bit closer, keenly seeking a backlash.
ㅤCharlie wasn't sure how to react to the baffling attention. He looked around as if to emphasise the dozen free seats scattered across the room. Some students looked over to their table, watching in blatant curiosity. Perhaps this is a dare? He knew this student he had fallen into previously. He briefly assessed the man, taking in his tall and strong build, feeling twitchy in the proximity of someone whose strength may match his own.
ㅤ"Don't sit there," Charlie ordered, at last.
ㅤ"This is the only seat," the student replied, a small smirk threatening to pull at the corners of his mouth, failing to school his expression.
ㅤCharlie scowled, his gaze once again sweeping the room at every empty seat before returning. He hadn't gotten a good look when they'd met briefly in the toilets, but Ben certainly hadn't lied when he said the guy was tall and good-looking—if this was the same student that'd been referenced anyway.
ㅤHe had a dark look about him, with short wavy locks that resembled coal and piercing green eyes. More importantly, his stubble-dusted chin had the remnants of a split lip and a bruise. Clearly, this lad was an ape-brained child looking for a fight for the attention of others.
ㅤCharlie was a little cautious. They seemed a smidge shorter than he was but compensated with a little extra muscle weight. Charlie couldn't say, with full confidence, that this guy wouldn't be useless in a fight against him.
ㅤA part of him was curious to test it out.
ㅤCharlie scratched his head, pondering the best course of action. He couldn't intimidate the guy away, not without making a huge scene and getting into more trouble. He would grudgingly tolerate the company for the next hour, hoping the guy would get bored and leave. He looked out the window once again, his momentary silence interrupted.
