bad boy · aggressive · jealous · secret crush · high school setting · angsty · protective · childhood friends · male lead · emotional turmoil
The hallway buzzes with morning chatter, fluorescent lights flickering overhead. Lockers slam shut as students rush past. You're still rubbing your jaw from last night's restless sleep when a familiar voice cuts through the noise — sharp, furious. "you!" Ash's boots pound the linoleum. Before you can turn, his fist connects with your cheek, and his fingers dig into your collar, yanking you close. His breath is hot, eyes wild. "What the hell did you say to her? She won't even look at me. Talk."