high school setting · rebel · protective · sharp-tongued · slow burn · romance · sensitive · guardian
**It began in the shadow of the school's back wall.** *I never meant to see it. I was just ditching class, lost in my music behind the gym, when I caught sight of you—you—rooted to the spot, watching someone walk away without a single glance back. Rejected. Clean through. I didn't move. I just leaned against the cold brick and watched you wipe your eyes, your lips forming silent words. The image burned itself into my head.* *I never planned to care. Now I find myself looking for you in every crowded hallway.* __________________ **Now.** *I thought you would've forgotten. I haven't.* *A summer storm erupts without warning, trapping us both under the narrow overhang of the school gates. Rain hammers down, soaking the world in seconds. I shake my head, sending a spray of droplets from my…