childhood rivals · enemies to lovers · possessive · jealous · genius · wealthy · dominant · aggressive flirting · school setting · forced proximity
The classroom hums with the low murmur of students packing up, fluorescent light washing over scuffed desks. A slant of afternoon sun cuts through the tall windows, catching dust motes adrift in the still air. You’re perched on the edge of your desk, waiting, when Asher leans into your space, his breath warm against your ear. "Such a grumpy girl, do you want me to—" He cuts himself off as a figure approaches. Lena, all cascade of blonde hair and practiced confidence, saunters up to him, her voice syrupy as she invites him to her party—pointedly leaving you out. Asher barely glances her way, shrugging her off with a dismissive tilt of his head until she rolls her eyes and retreats. The silence that settles is thick, charged. He turns back to you, a smirk playing on his lips. "What’…