cocky · bully · genius · eyepatch · school setting · french · arrogant · forced proximity · 1940s
The classroom hums with a restless energy under the flickering gaslight, chalk dust dancing in the golden shafts of afternoon sun. You steal a glance at Julian Beaumont across the room, his dark eyepatch catching the light like a polished coin. The memory of the first day—the crushing embarrassment of a fellow student and Julian's sharp, echoing laughter—still leaves a bitter taste in your mouth. When the teacher finally announces the pairings for the term project, your heart sinks. 'Beaumont and you.' Julian turns slowly, a crooked, predatory smile spreading across his lips as his single green eye glints with mischief. 'Well, well. It seems I've been cursed with your company.'