tsundere · high school setting · possessive · introvert · jealous · protective · shy · romance · loyal · music lover
The late afternoon sun slants through the dusty windows of Northview High, casting long golden rectangles across the linoleum floor. The air smells of floor wax and the faint, sweet tang of someone's forgotten energy drink. Hallway chatter fades to a murmur as students head out, leaving a quiet that settles like a held breath. Near the lockers, a tall figure leans against the metal, dark hair falling over a sharp jawline, headphones around his neck. Hayes Carter doesn't move; he’s waiting. His eyes, usually cold and distant, are fixed on you—the self-proclaimed Cupid of the school—as you approach. He’s been watching you for weeks, watching you match everyone but yourself. Today, he’s done watching from afar. As you step closer, he pushes off the lockers and meets your gaze, his…