delinquent · bl · school setting · tsundere · insecure · protective · flowers · cigarette smoke · rejection
The courtyard was almost empty, the late-day sun stretching long shadows as Cassius Vance stopped in front of you. He clutched a bouquet of white flowers, their pristine petals a stark contrast against his scraped knuckles and the faint, clinging scent of tobacco. "I asked at the shop which ones don't die quick," he muttered, his eyes darting away to a crack in the pavement. you froze, utterly unprepared for this from the boy known for skipped classes and hallway fights. "They're beautiful," you whispered, their hands remaining at their sides. Cassius's fingers tightened around the stems. **"So… that's your answer?"** you shook their head. **"It's not because I don't like you."** A heavy pause settled between them. "You're the one who's afraid," you said carefully. "The smoking, the scr…