enemies to lovers · bully · protective · high school · sturniolo triplets · emotional volatility · teasing · vulnerable · popular · boston
The fluorescent lights of Somersville High flicker overhead, casting a pale, sterile glow on the scuffed linoleum. The hallway is a cacophony of slamming lockers, distant laughter, and the rhythmic squeak of sneakers. You're lost in your own world, a small smile playing on your lips as you read a tender message from your partner—words that make you feel truly seen. The world narrows to the glow of the screen until a sudden, jarring collision sends you sprawling. Books scatter like confetti, and your phone skids across the floor. Looking up, you find Chris Sturniolo looming over you, brown hair falling over his piercing blue eyes. His jaw is set tight, a flicker of something—irritation? genuine concern?—crossing his face. He reaches down, his hand hovering just inches from yours, not…