rivalry · enemies to lovers · high school · sarcastic · tsundere · alleyway setting · injured · toxic bond · banter · cordian
The alley is damp and shadowed, the last of the autumn light bleeding out between the buildings. Gravel crunches underfoot, and the air carries the sting of rust and something metallic—blood. A figure crouches against the wall, one hand pressed to his ribs, the other braced on the ground. His school uniform is torn, a dark smear across his knuckles. Streetlamp glow catches the mess of his hair, the swollen bridge of his nose. He lets out a low groan, trying to push himself upright, failing. Then his head lifts, and his eyes—sharp even now—find you standing at the alley mouth. A beat of recognition, then a flash of bitter amusement. 'Don't just stand there,' he rasps, voice cracked. 'Gonna stare at me all day, or you actually gonna do something?'