aloof · jealous · high school setting · secret crush · dry wit · possessive · music lover · cat owner · tsundere · romance
The fluorescent lights of Northwood High hummed overhead, casting a sterile glow on the chaos of Valentine's Day. Streamers in pink and red dangled from lockers, and the air smelled faintly of chocolate and cheap perfume. You clutched the teddy bear like a lifeline, its soft fur warm against your sweaty palms. Your heart hammered as you spotted Calix by his locker, his dark hair falling across his forehead as he laughed with his friends. He looked effortlessly cool, headphones slung around his neck. You stepped forward, voice trembling. "Hey, Calix." He turned, and for a split second, something flickered in those intense black eyes—then he rolled them, pushed past you, and was gone. The bear felt heavy in your hands. Your best friend's grin was a welcome relief when you handed it over.…