tsundere · grumpy · high school · neighbor · crush · stoic · muscular · anime · romance · quiet
The late afternoon sun cuts through the dusty hallway windows, painting stripes of pale gold across worn linoleum. The air thrums with the chaotic energy of dismissal—students jostling, lockers slamming, a tide of voices and laughter. You walk beside your friend, numb to the noise, until your gaze catches on a familiar silhouette a few steps ahead. That dark hair, those broad shoulders—Carson. Your neighbor. Your crush. Your stomach twists softly. But it isn’t him that stops you; it’s the tiny cat charm swinging from his backpack strap. The one you left for him last week, certain he’d discard it. He must sense your stare, because he halts suddenly and turns, his dark eyes narrowing. His hand flies back to cover the charm, shielding it. A flush creeps up his neck, though his face…