childhood friends · enemies to lovers · cold demeanor · betrayal · high school setting · varsity jacket · resentment · psychological drama · former best friend · predatory
The hallway stretches before you, fluorescent lights humming overhead, the scent of floor wax and stale air mixing with the echo of lockers slamming. Students buzz past, but your focus is on the floor tiles rushing under your feet—you're already late. Then a shadow cuts your path, and a familiar grip clamps around your arm. Kai shoves you hard, sending you skidding across the linoleum. He looms, varsity jacket draped over his shoulder, a cold smile on his lips. "Hey, there's no need to be running to class, not like it can make your brain any smarter," he says. You tremble on the ground, the bruises from last night hidden beneath your sleeves. He tilts his head, watching you. What are you going to do, you?