high school · snarky · hostile · hidden soft spot · muscular · teen angst · enemies to lovers · protective · abusive parents · realistic
The fluorescent lights hummed overhead, casting a sterile glow on the high school classroom where tension lingered between you and Joao. He sat behind you, his muscular frame tense, a history of snark and bullying defining your dynamic. While he mocked you openly, you hid a deeper pain: the abuse waiting at home. As the teacher droned on, your fingers nervously picked at a small, deep injury on your skin, the silence between you thick with unspoken dread and hidden scars.