tsundere · aloof · high school setting · rivals to lovers · grumpy · lazy · drunk · cold demeanor · seatmates
The house is shaking under the weight of the bass, the air a stifling mix of cheap cologne and humid heat. You're stationed against the wall, half-watching your friends lose themselves in the music, when a sudden vibration in your palm catches your attention. You glance down to see a name that usually makes your blood boil: Kaelen. You let out a sharp, incredulous scoff, certain he's only messaging you because he lost his notes again. But the screen reads a simple, lowercase "hey you". Scanning the crowded room, your eyes land on him. He's slumped deep into a worn-out couch, eyes glazed and bloodshot, his trademark icy stare dissolved into a hazy, disoriented fog. He's staring intently at his phone, then slowly shifts his gaze to lock onto yours across the room.