Big City Love

The first time Adrian saw Leo, it felt like the world had tilted.

It was the first week of junior year at Lincoln High, one of the biggest and most competitive schools in downtown Chicago. The halls were a blur of students rushing between classes, teachers shouting last-minute reminders, and the never-ending echo of sneakers squeaking against polished tile floors. But in the middle of it all, Leo stood like something out of a dream—leaning casually against a locker, laughing at something his friend had said.

Adrian couldn't look away.

Leo had this effortless confidence, with his messy dark curls, sharp green eyes, and that kind of smirk that could either mean trouble or something much, much better. His black leather jacket was worn at the edges, like he’d had it forever, and the silver ring he toyed with on his finger caught the light just enough to make Adrian’s heart stutter.

And then, as if fate had a sense of humor, Leo glanced up—and their eyes met.

For a second, neither of them moved. The noise of the hallway dulled, fading into an almost cinematic background hum. Adrian swore he saw something flicker in Leo's expression, curiosity sparking beneath his cool exterior. Then, Leo's lips curled into the slightest, most devastating smile, and Adrian felt his stomach flip in a way that was both thrilling and terrifying.

"Hey," Leo said, as if greeting an old friend instead of a complete stranger. His voice was smooth, warm, and Adrian felt its effect like a ripple through his entire body.

Adrian barely managed to get his brain to function enough to respond. "Uh, hi."

Leo tilted his head slightly, studying him. "New?"

"No, I've been here since freshman year," Adrian replied, gripping the strap of his backpack like it was the only thing keeping him grounded.

Leo arched a brow. "Huh. Funny. I feel like I would've noticed you before."

Adrian's heart slammed against his ribs. Was Leo flirting? Or was he just naturally like this—charming, effortlessly captivating? Either way, Adrian was doomed.

Before he could think of a response, the warning bell rang, snapping the moment like a rubber band. Leo pushed off the lockers with a lazy stretch and shot Adrian a wink. "See you around, new guy."

And just like that, he was gone, swallowed by the crowd of students heading to class. But Adrian stood there, frozen in place, pulse racing, knowing one undeniable truth:

He was completely, utterly screwed.

Adrian spent the rest of the day in a daze. Every class blurred together, and he barely registered his friends’ conversations at lunch. His mind kept circling back to Leo—his smirk, his voice, the way he had looked at Adrian like he was something worth noticing.

By the time the final bell rang, Adrian had convinced himself it was nothing. A fluke. Leo was probably just friendly with everyone. He had no reason to believe Adrian was anything special.

But fate, it seemed, had other plans.

As Adrian walked out of the school, shifting his backpack onto his shoulder, he heard a voice behind him. "Adrian, right?"

He turned, heart stuttering at the sight of Leo standing there, hands in the pockets of his leather jacket.

"Uh, yeah. That’s me," Adrian said, trying—and failing—to sound casual.

Leo grinned. "Good. Walk with me."

Adrian blinked. "What?"

Leo chuckled. "Come on, I don’t bite. Well, not unless you ask nicely."

Adrian felt his face heat up, and Leo laughed at his reaction. "Relax, I’m kidding. Mostly. Let’s go."

Without waiting for an answer, Leo turned and started walking. Against every rational thought in his head, Adrian followed.

They walked in comfortable silence for a while, weaving through the crowded city streets. The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm, golden glow over the skyline. Adrian kept sneaking glances at Leo, half expecting him to suddenly disappear like a mirage.

"So, Adrian," Leo finally said, breaking the silence. "Tell me something interesting about yourself."

Adrian frowned. "Uh… like what?"

Leo shrugged. "Anything. Favorite band? Weird talent? Deepest, darkest secret?"

Adrian let out a nervous laugh. "Not sure I have any deep, dark secrets. But… I play piano?"

Leo's eyes lit up. "Seriously? That’s cool. I always wished I could play an instrument."

"You don’t?"

Leo shook his head. "Nope. Zero musical talent. Unless you count being really good at playing air guitar."

Adrian grinned. "That totally counts."

Leo smirked. "Glad you think so. What kind of music do you play? Classical? Jazz?"

"A bit of both. I like composing too, just messing around with melodies."

Leo whistled. "Damn. A real musician. That’s impressive."

Adrian felt his face heat up again. "It’s really not that—"

"No, it is," Leo interrupted, nudging him lightly with his elbow. "You should show me sometime."

Adrian’s heart stuttered. "Maybe."

Leo grinned, and they kept walking, the city around them fading into the background as something new and unspoken grew between them.

The next day, Adrian found himself scanning the hallways for Leo, heart thrumming in anticipation. He didn’t know what he was hoping for—another casual encounter? Another walk? Something more? The thought made his stomach flip.

Then, as he rounded the corner near his locker, he saw him. Leo was already there, leaning against the lockers like he had been waiting for someone. When his gaze landed on Adrian, a slow smile spread across his lips.

"Hey, new guy. Miss me?" Leo teased.

Adrian rolled his eyes, trying to suppress his grin. "Not even a little."

Leo laughed. "Liar."

Adrian hesitated for a moment, then took a deep breath. His pulse was racing, but he couldn’t let the moment slip away. "Hey, Leo?"

Leo raised an eyebrow. "Yeah?"

Adrian swallowed his nerves. "I was wondering… would you want to be my boyfriend?"

Leo blinked, clearly caught off guard, before a slow, genuine smile spread across his face. He stepped closer, eyes flickering with something warm and teasing. "Well, well. Didn’t expect you to be so bold, new guy."

Adrian’s stomach flipped. "Is that a yes or a no?"

Leo chuckled, reaching out to gently tug on the strap of Adrian’s backpack. "It’s a hell yes."

From that moment, their relationship deepened. Late-night texts turned into sneaking out to rooftops, whispering secrets beneath the stars. Kisses stolen in empty hallways, fingers tangled in each other’s jackets. One night, in Leo’s car parked by the lake, the rain drumming softly against the windows, they shared their first real makeout session—slow, electrifying, every touch leaving Adrian breathless.

As weeks passed, their love only grew stronger, the city becoming their playground, every corner filled with new memories. Adrian knew one thing for sure—this was more than just a high school romance.

It was the beginning of something unforgettable.