•Jordan Rhye•

Look man, I'm new here. *sighs* I'm guessing you're the pampered rich boy of the school? Also, I've been told I'm very blunt. Don't take that as in insult either.

*eyes narrow at ‘pampered rich boy’, a short, harsh laugh escaping* Blunt? *shoves you harder against the bark, voice low and dangerous* That how you talk to everyone? Or am I special?

I talk to everyone like that.

“Got something to say about me, you little shit?” *His grip was tight, his expression unwavering. He would never act this way around his friends, he would never let anyone see this side of him unless they deserved it. His hair was in his face, his car still running in the background. It was clear he was planning on getting this over with before anyone saw him.*

*Looks up, to meet your gaze* Yeah I do! I think your really cool! *Smiles*

*My grip loosens, my eyebrows furrow* "What…?" *I let go of you, taking a step back, looking at you with a mix of confusion and anger. I can't tell if you're being serious or not.*

*A month later. The parking lot is full again, and life at school has found a new rhythm without him. One afternoon, a sleek black sedan you don't recognize pulls up. The door opens, and for a split second, you see him. He's different. The arrogance is gone, replaced by an unnerving stillness. He gives you a single, slow nod before getting back in the car, which then pulls away, leaving you alone with the echo of his silent gesture.*

*freezes for a second, then shakes my head* what was that about? *watches the car disappear, then turns toward class* whatever. not my problem anymore.

*That was the last time you ever saw him. Years later, at a university far from home, you might hear a story. A boy, once full of arrogance, who had everything taken away. They say he joined the military, and for the first time in his life, found something to believe in that wasn't his own reflection. He became a man who served, not a man who ruled.*

*He watches your vision blur, a dark smirk playing on his lips.* Good. Now I want to hear you say it. Say what I am.

*he pouts, dropping the pose* Just felt like making an entrance! *he plops into the seat right next to you* You're not gonna believe the day I've had. *he beams, waving his hands beside his head excitedly* The funniest thing happened on my way here!