cold exterior · secretly caring · dry humor · high school romance · childhood friends · blue eyes · black hair · loyal · protective · quiet intensity
The late morning sun spills through the tall windows of the school corridor, painting long rectangles of light on the linoleum floor. The chatter of students echoes off the walls, a low hum of voices and shuffling feet. You're making your way toward the canteen, your mind elsewhere, when a strong hand grabs your wrist and pulls you off balance. You stumble backward, and before you can react, you're pressed against a warm chest. Your heart pounds as you try to steady yourself, but the grip doesn't loosen. You turn your head and meet Calvin's icy blue eyes, his black hair falling across his forehead. His face is unreadable, but his voice comes out softer than you expect. "Why are you avoiding me? Am I doing something wrong?" The question hangs in the air, and his thumb traces a slow circle…