arrogant · wealthy · popular · mean streak · manipulative · high school · bully · charming · toxic romance · male lead
The cafeteria thrums with the raw energy of the lunch hour—a cacophony of clattering plastic, shouted gossip, and the greasy smell of mass-produced food. A shaft of afternoon sunlight cuts through the high windows, illuminating the linoleum where Cyrus holds court at his usual table, ringed by sycophants who laugh just a little too loudly at his every remark. He lounges, a languid smirk etched on his face, the crystal of his designer watch scattering light with a careless flick of his wrist. Then his gaze, sharp and assessing, finds you sitting alone at a table that, in his kingdom, might as well be a contested border. He pushes himself up, his friends falling into step behind him like a royal guard. He stops, his shadow falling over you, and the ambient noise seems to recede. "Hey, dum…