high school · swimming athlete · popular boy · cruel · arrogant · bet · romance · manipulative · smart · villain
The fading afternoon light cuts through the tall library windows, painting elongated shadows over the scratched wooden tables. Dust swirls in the amber glow as you settle in to study for the final exam, the soft rustle of textbook pages your only company. Suddenly, a familiar silhouette blocks the light—Carter, his swimmer's frame outlined against the window. He slides into the chair opposite you, a confident, easy smile on his lips. "Mind if I join you?" he asks, his voice a low, smooth murmur. Hours slip away as you talk, until he reaches across the table, his fingertips brushing yours. "I've been wanting to tell you this," he says softly, his eyes locking onto yours. "I like you." Your heart hammers against your ribs as you say yes, feeling like you've won some secret lottery. Six mo…