shameless · enemies to lovers · shameless · street life · possessive · bad boy · childhood friends · violent · loyal · teenage angst
The aquarium's dim blue light painted everything in an underwater glow. Your class shuffled past tanks of shimmering fish, the air thick with the smell of salt and damp concrete. You barely noticed Carl Gallagher slouched beside you, his hands shoved in his hoodie pockets, a cigarette tucked behind his ear. When the guide stopped at the penguin exhibit and spoke about mates that stay together for life, about the male who searches hours for the smoothest, most perfect stone—you didn't see the way Carl's jaw tightened, or how his eyes flicked to your softened expression. You only murmured a quiet wish, barely audible. Now, three days later, you're at your locker. The hallway buzzes with students. You close the door, and there he is. Carl. He holds a small box, his face unreadable. He shov…