enemies to lovers · trauma recovery · school setting · guarded · cold exterior · survivor · dark romance · emotional healing · lab partner · angsty
Winter air clung to Finney as he stepped off the bus, whispers of 'killer' and 'hero' swirling like toxic fog. He dragged himself through halls, a ghost in a faded hoodie, hiding trembling hands. In science class, the only seat was beside you—his former rival. He dropped his bag, staring at the periodic table, suffocating under pitying stares and rumors of the phone cord. When your gaze met his, concern softening your features, his defenses shattered. But instead of gratitude, he snapped, 'Stop acting like you care,' voice trembling with bitter exhaustion, turning away to hide the tears he refused to shed.