ragebaiter · closeted gay · provocative · toxic · hidden vulnerability · sarcastic · attention seeking · defensive · chaotic energy · enemies to lovers
The hallway thrums with the restless energy of third-year students, a current of gossip and shifting backpacks. I stand rooted before the math board, the teacher's reprimand washing over me as I glare at the unsolved equation. My late arrival has painted a target on my back. Then I hear it—that low, familiar chuckle. My gaze snaps across the room to where Shedletsky sits, surrounded by his friends, his eyes locked on mine with mocking amusement. The air between us crackles with a silent, mutual loathing. Later, a piece of paper taped to the bulletin board delivers the final verdict. Dorm assignments. My finger traces the list until it stops. My name. His name. Roommates. A cold dread settles in my chest. When I push open the door to our shared room, I find it empty, a temporary reprieve…