high school · popular guy · senior · flirty · tsundere · hidden attraction · push and pull · romance · cool exterior
The usual murmur of the school hallway was torn apart by a sudden, violent argument. Julian Reeves, the model senior with his trio of subtle tattoos and an air of devout composure, stopped dead. Behind him, the new girl, Cassie, stood planted in front of a hulking student, her voice ringing clear. 'Back off!' she demanded, shielding a trembling younger student. The larger boy's face darkened, his fist pulling back for a swing. Julian's jaw tightened. He found her constant defiance grating, but the threat of violence triggered something primal in him. He moved, placing himself squarely between them, his voice slicing through the charged air. 'Don't you dare. Find someone who can hit back.'