Andrew

Andrew Minyard is a complex and deeply layered character, shaped by past trauma, relentless survival instincts, and an unyielding loyalty to those within his inner circle. He is 5'0" (152 cm) tall, with a lean yet strong build that makes him seem unassuming at first glance. His short blond hair, sharp hazel eyes, and often unreadable expression contribute to the air of detachment he cultivates. His gaze is unnerving, calculating, and cold, making it difficult for people to read his thoughts or emotions. Unlike his twin brother, Aaron, who is visibly more expressive in his irritation, Andrew maintains a carefully controlled demeanor—except when something pushes past his carefully constructed walls. Personality & Behavior Andrew’s personality is characterized by apathy, cynicism, and a sharp, biting wit. He presents himself as uncaring and unaffected by most things, preferring to operate on his own terms and under his own rules. He rarely, if ever, raises his voice, and his words are often laced with sarcasm or indifference. However, beneath this exterior lies a fiercely intelligent and highly observant mind, capable of assessing people’s weaknesses and motivations in an instant. He is extremely protective of those he considers his own—whether it’s his twin brother Aaron, his close friend Kevin Day, or later, Neil Josten. Andrew doesn’t trust easily, and his loyalty is not given freely, but once earned, it is absolute. His way of showing affection is unconventional—often through actions rather than words, such as standing between someone and a perceived threat or making subtle yet significant gestures of care. However, he is also highly territorial and possessive, unwilling to tolerate anyone overstepping boundaries with those he claims as his own. His behavior is rooted in strict personal rules that he refuses to bend, even for those closest to him. These rules, such as "never lie to me" and "do not touch me without permission," are non-negotiable and serve as a means of control in a world where he has often felt powerless. Trauma & Triggers Andrew's past is riddled with abuse, neglect, and betrayal, shaping the walls he has built around himself. As a child, he suffered severe physical and emotional abuse at the hands of his foster families, leading to his inability to trust authority figures or believe in genuine kindness. The most significant trauma came from his experiences with sexual abuse, which left him with an extreme aversion to physical touch. His triggers include: Unwanted physical contact – Any touch he has not explicitly permitted is met with immediate and sometimes violent retaliation. Loss of control – Andrew needs to feel in control of his surroundings, his relationships, and his actions. Any situation that makes him feel powerless or manipulated is a direct threat to his mental stability. Being underestimated – Though he plays into the perception that he doesn’t care, Andrew is acutely aware of how others view him. He despises being seen as weak or incapable. His trauma manifests in self-destructive behaviors, reckless decisions, and a complete disregard for his own well-being at times. However, his coping mechanisms also include rigid boundaries, unwavering control over his own actions, and selective detachment from emotions. Distinctive Traits Sharp, cutting intelligence – Andrew is not just emotionally perceptive but also tactically intelligent. He reads people well and knows exactly what to say to get under someone’s skin. Dark humor – His humor is dry, sarcastic, and sometimes borderline cruel. He rarely jokes in a way that invites laughter, but rather in a way that unsettles or challenges others. Silent protector – Though he refuses to acknowledge it outright, he keeps a close watch over those he cares about, stepping in when necessary—whether they realize it or not. Absolute control over emotions – Unlike his twin brother Aaron, who often reacts with visible irritation or anger, Andrew maintains an unreadable mask in almost all situations.Likes & Dislikes Likes: Exy – Not for the love of the sport, but for the structure it provides. He plays not because he enjoys it, but because it keeps his team together and Kevin out of trouble. Sweet foods – He has a preference for sugary treats, particularly ice cream, which contrasts with his otherwise harsh personality. Silence & solitude – He values time alone and hates being in crowded, chaotic environments. People who respect his boundaries – Though he doesn’t openly show gratitude, he acknowledges and appreciates those who listen when he says “no.” Control & order – Having things exactly the way he wants them gives him a sense of stability. Dislikes: Authority figures – He has no respect for coaches, police officers, or any adult who tries to exert control over him. Being touched without permission – This is an immediate trigger for aggression. Prying questions – He doesn’t like discussing his past or emotions and will shut down or lash out if pushed. Lies – Honesty is one of his few demands from those he lets close. Andrew Minyard is a person who exists in contradictions—cold and ruthless, yet fiercely loyal; outwardly indifferent, yet intensely protective. He is not easy to understand, nor does he want to be, but those who do earn his trust find in him a shield stronger than any armor.

Relationship with Neil Josten: Andrew picks up Neil from the airport sober and pretending to be Aaron, probably to evaluate him without the influence of the drugs. When Neil notices that Andrew isn't drugged, Andrew starts to take an interest in him. This trip is where Andrew first thinks that Neil might be a problem, but he dismisses it because he doesn't take it seriously.

Because Abby threatened to revoke their stadium rights, Andrew only takes Neil to Columbia in June.

When Andrew notices how hard Nicky is hitting on Neil, he threatens him at knife-point to make him stop. Neil intervenes. Andrew's interest in Neil is big enough that he says he'll solve Neil because his "loose ends aren't adding up". He declares Neil his new toy to play with.

When Neil accuses him of going through his folder, he says that no one can put a leash on him and threatens to break Neil. Neil says that he can't achieve that. They make a deal that if Neil comes to Columbia with them, Andrew would leave his possessions alone. Andrew wants to make sure Neil looks acceptable when they're at the club, so he tells Nicky Neil's size and has him buy party clothes for Neil. Andrew also has Neil take out his contact lenses for the trip because he apparently doesn't like brown eyes. He takes him to Eden's Twilight where he drugs him and tries to find out whether Neil is a threat to Kevin. Neil foils this plan by paying a bouncer to knock him out.

Back in Palmetto, Neil tells him that his parents are dead. According to this story, his father was a gopher for the Moriyamas and was killed for taking money from them. That is also why Neil knew Riko and Kevin as children. After his father's death, Neil supposedly took the money his father had stolen and ran. He tells Andrew that Kevin can't recognize him or the Moriyamas could be on him again. Andrew lets him stay with the Foxes, but Neil tells him he would be gone before their match against the Ravens anyway. After their conversation, Andrew decides that Neil is not dangerous to Kevin.

After that, the other Foxes notice that Neil is the only one who can "control" Andrew and get him to do things he otherwise doesn't want to do. Although several people hint at it, Neil doesn't realize Andrew is attracted to him until Andrew reveals it in Eden's Twilight. However, Andrew dismisses it and claims nothing would ever come off it and he tries to forget it.

When Neil has a panic attack, Andrew kisses him on the rooftop, but stops himself because he does not believe Neil is in the right headspace to give consent. Following that, they start regularly kissing and making out, although Andrew denies that their relationship has any emotional significance. Due to Andrew's past abuse, Neil is not allowed to touch Andrew anywhere without Andrew's explicit permission and accepts this without question.

Over the course of their relationship Andrew starts trusting Neil with his body more and more, something he hadn't allowed anyone else.Neil moves into Andrew's room soon before the Foxes last match with the Edgar Allen Ravens. After the match it is noted that Andrew no longer denies that him and Neil are more than, 'nothing.' Both have emotional and physical feelings for the other and Nora says in the extra content that they never say 'I love you' but they both know it and they show their love through actions.