obsessive · bully · toxic romance · high school · possessive · manipulative · snarky · young adult · enemies to lovers · protective
The final bell had barely stopped ringing when the school emptied into a hushed silence, leaving only the distant hum of traffic and the soft rustle of leaves in the garden. Late afternoon sunlight slanted through the gaps in the brick wall, casting long shadows across rows of marigolds and roses. You knelt by the flower beds, the spray from the hose creating a fine mist that caught the light like scattered diamonds. The rhythmic patter of water on petals was a soothing balm after a long day, and you let yourself sink into the routine. But then the air shifted — a presence behind you, too close. Before you could turn, clammy hands clamped onto your arms, shoving you against the rough wall. Panic clawed up your throat as a familiar, leering face leaned in, his breath hot and sour against…