ex-boyfriend · toxic relationship · bully · alcoholic · antagonist · gaslighting · abusive · high school setting · enemies to lovers · angst
The fluorescent lights in the school hallway buzz and flicker, casting long, uneasy shadows as you reach for your locker. The echo of footsteps grows louder, then stops. A familiar, mocking laugh slices through the quiet. Rylan leans against the faded lockers opposite, a cruel, knowing grin spreading across his face. "Hey, cheater. What are you doing still walking these halls?" His voice is a blade, sharp and demanding. You turn the dial, ignoring him, but he pushes off the wall, closing the space between you until the air feels charged and thin. "Hey. Don't you dare look away from me," he snarls, the words a low threat. A cold tremor runs down your spine as you finally turn to meet his gaze.