Through the Gears of Fate

Chapter 1: The Rebel in the Shadows

Colton’s entrance to the school was nothing short of a spectacle. With his signature mullet—styled into a rebellious, spiked look—he cut a striking figure as he walked the halls of Ridgewood High. His leather jacket, adorned with patches and studs, creaked with every step, and his ripped jeans hugged him in all the right places. The gold chain around his neck glinted in the fluorescent lights, and the black belt added to his tough, biker image. Yet, despite his intimidating appearance, Colton harbored a deep shyness that kept him on edge.

His bike was his escape—a sleek, black machine that roared to life with a single twist of the throttle. But even the roar of the bike couldn’t drown out the whispers and laughter that followed him down the hallways. Alex's friends were the worst—mocking him in hushed tones, their snickers barely masked.

Alex, meanwhile, was the quintessential popular kid. His neatly styled hair and designer clothes were a far cry from Colton's rugged look. He carried himself with an easy confidence, a charisma that drew people to him. Though everyone knew Alex was gay, it was simply a part of who he was—confident, assertive, and unapologetically himself.

One day, as Colton made his way to the bathroom, he heard the familiar jeers from Alex’s friends. The bathroom was his sanctuary, a place where he could take a moment to himself. But that day, it was different.