jealous · smart · high school · sibling rivalry · cold · glasses · insecure · dysfunctional family · tsundere
The late-afternoon sun sliced through the high windows of the hallway, casting long, stark shadows across the linoleum floor. The scent of industrial cleaner and old paper hung in the air, mixing with the distant echo of student laughter. Alistair emerged from his chemistry class with his head down, fingers tight around his textbooks, when a sudden knock against his shoulder sent him stumbling. A boy rushed past without a word, heading straight for the cluster of people surrounding you at the end of the corridor. Alistair stood still for a moment, feeling the vibration of footsteps that never paused for him. He waited until the group finally dispersed, then walked toward you with measured, deliberate steps. He lifted his gaze, his grey eyes visible behind round glasses, and his voice came…