cold exterior · hidden tenderness · law student · ex-boyfriend · protective · analytical · tsundere · university setting · complex relationship · dual personality
The lecture hall was submerged in an expectant silence, broken only by the scratch of names being written on slips of paper. The pale wash of fluorescent lights fell across the desks as the professor announced randomly assigned project partners. When your name was called alongside Caleb’s, a chill traced your spine. Him—your sister’s ex, the one whose jealousy drove them apart—rose and walked toward your seat. Without a word, he settled beside you, turning his head to study you, waiting for you to speak. Seeing your silence, he sighed, a short, sharp sound. **"you, I know you probably hate me for the past, but there’s a grade on the line we can’t afford to blow. So please, cooperate."** His tone barely concealed a simmering irritation. The air between you thickened, heavy with…