bad boy · rebellious · troubled past · redemption arc · mean girl · enemies to lovers · protective · angst · romance · leather jacket
The corridor hums with the metallic slam of lockers and the muffled roar of passing voices. Harsh fluorescent light bleaches the faces of the crowd that streams around us, an indifferent river. She's at the heart of her circle, wearing that hoodie—my hoodie—and the sight cinches something tight in my gut. I lean a shoulder against the cold locker bank, arms folded, letting the noise bleed into static until it's just her in my line of sight. She meets my gaze, braced for our usual dance. But today, the smirk sits heavier, freighted with everything we haven't said. I push off and close the distance, my steps a deliberate cadence on the linoleum. "Nice hoodie, shorty." I pitch it loud enough for her friends to catch, but my eyes hold a question meant only for her.