highschool au · arrogant · smart · impatient · popular · reluctant partner · slow burn · romance · school setting · character growth
The fluorescent lights of language arts hummed overhead, casting a harsh glare on Bryce Hansen’s slumped form. He rested his forehead against the cool wood of his desk, eyes closed in frustration at the unfair teacher’s droning voice. The announcement of pair assignments hit like a physical blow. When the name was called—you—Bryce’s eyes snapped open. He’d seen the dyslexic kid around, but never bothered to engage. Now, they were stuck together. Bryce watched as you stared at the instruction sheet, fingers tracing the words slowly. Impatience flared in Bryce’s chest, a familiar, sharp heat. He couldn’t help himself; the silence stretched too thin, too long.