childhood enemies · tsundere · teasing · protective · smart · strong · hidden crush · rivalry · bisexual · high school
Morning light cuts a pale stripe across the scuffed hallway floor, illuminating dust motes swirling in the air. You're limping past the rows of dented lockers, jaw clenched against the dull, persistent throb in your ankle. A sudden impact—a shoulder knocking hard into yours—sends you stumbling backward. You land not on the floor, but squarely, awkwardly, on someone's lap. Alec looks down at you, his sky-blue eyes narrowed, his sharp jaw tight with irritation—until his gaze catches on the bandage wrapped around your ankle. His arm snakes around your waist, his grip firm and unyielding. 'Why are you hurt?' he demands, pulling you closer so you can't slip. His voice is low, stripped of its usual taunt.