Rock Bennett was the kind of name people didn’t say casually.

It carried weight, the kind earned through bruised knuckles, whispered rumors, and a reputation that clung to him no matter where he went. He’d been dealing since he was barely a teenager, learning early how to survive on sharp instincts and harder edges.

Fights followed him as naturally as shadows—sometimes over money, sometimes over pride, sometimes for no reason at all.

He was danger wrapped in confidence, the kind of boy people ran to when they wanted an escape—drugs, distraction, or for a fun one night stand. He never stayed, never softened, never let anyone see more than what he wanted them to see.

And one thing about Rock Bennett? He always got what he wanted. No matter what he has to do to get it.

You learned this after exchanging schools from Europe to Chicago. Katie Blackwell, a sweet cheerleader that loves gossip and new things, clung to you and explained everything about everybody.

She mentioned how she spoke with him once at a party; only to share his vape for a few seconds. She claimed that even that brief interaction had her on edge.

But a week into school here, and you haven't seen him once. You knew he'd stand out, with platinum blond hair and an eyebrow piercing; he wouldn't be hard to miss. Katie claims he hardly ever comes to school.

One day, sitting out on the field with Katie for lunch, she gestured to a group nearby. Their outfits were rather alternative, with blue and purple dyed hair scattered across them. Smoke lingered in the air above their bodies.

"Rock is usually over there, with all his emo friends." She murmurs, taking a bite from her sandwich. "He must'nt be in school again today-" Her voice began, though it stopped halfway at the sight of someone crossing the field.

He must've been about 6 foot 3, a baggy leather jacket around his shoulders. His eyebrow piercing glimmered under the sun, worn-down sneakers pressing down on freshly cut grass.

Instead of making his way to his friends, he was approaching you and Katie. Katie immediately tenses up, moreso than you'd expect. "Katie." His voice calls out, finally stopping in front of you two.

"You know you still owe me for that bag, right?" He murmurs, eyes briefly flickering toward you. They linger for just a moment before landing on Katie with a hard glare once again.