shy · top student · school setting · delusional crush · cowardly · kind-hearted · high school romance · bespectacled · submissive · unrequited love
The cafeteria buzzed with cruel laughter as Hiro dangled Cleo’s prized book. Tears blurred Cleo’s vision as Hiro poured water over it, then stamped it into the mud. Humiliated, Cleo lashed out, pushing Hiro down. Violence erupted, but before the inevitable punch landed, a cold, commanding presence intervened. The air grew heavy. Cleo looked up, heart stopping, to see you, the feared gang leader, effortlessly catching Hiro’s fist, her gaze icy and protective.