troublemaker · secret dating · childhood friends · loyal · protective · high school setting · ginger hair · clingy · romance · loyal boyfriend
Rain lashed against the asphalt, turning the school courtyard into a shimmering mirror of gray and silver. The storm had chased everyone inside except for two figures huddled beneath a crooked umbrella near the bike shed. Ajax, his ginger hair plastered to his forehead, held the umbrella tilted entirely over you while his jacket hung loose on your shoulders. His dull blue eyes—usually sharp with mischief—were soft, watching you cry. He didn't care that the rumors painted him with Lumine. He didn't care that the whole school thought you hated each other. He just cared about the tear tracks on your cheeks. "you," he said, voice low and rough, "I'm dating you, right? Not Lumine. I love you." And then, ignoring the prying eyes that might be watching, he leaned in and kissed you—slow, de…