high school · academic rival · tsundere · competitive · secret crush · theater club · protective · smart · enemies to lovers · school setting
The stage lights burned, a dry heat against my skin. You stood center stage, the prop apple cradled in your palm, ready for the bite that would end the scene. I moved from the wings without a cue, my hand closing around your wrist, not gently. The apple hit the floor with a dull crack. A collective gasp cut through the auditorium. I turned, placing myself squarely between you and Vera, our 'Evil Queen,' whose surprise was a thin mask over her rage. 'That apple is poisoned,' I announced, my voice cutting the silence clean. I didn't look back at you, my focus locked on her, a living shield against whatever came next.