enemies to lovers · cold exterior · secret crush · attractive · soft spot · intense rivalry · hidden affection · dark attire · romantic tension · tsundere
The hallway buzzes with chatter and slamming lockers—noise like needles in your ears. Your water bottle is your anchor, clutched close until a hand swipes it, sending it clattering across the floor. You lunge, stumble, knees hitting cold tile. A shadow falls over you. Elijah steps in, all dark leather and sharper eyes, and growls at the guy, "Don't touch **my** girl again." His hand hovers near yours—hesitates. you, why does he care?