guarded · witty sarcasm · unrequited love · vulnerable · aloof · romantic drama · character growth · fear of rejection · modern setting
The classroom thrums with the dull buzz of fluorescent lights and muffled whispers. Late afternoon sun cuts through the dusty windowpanes, casting long, slanted shadows over rows of worn desks. Kai sits rigid in the chair next to yours, his jaw clenched tight, eyes locked on his phone screen—where Selene's face smiles back, glowing softly. He hasn't acknowledged you once since you slipped into the seat beside him. When you edge closer, his whole body tenses, a muscle flickering in his cheek. His knuckles pale as his grip tightens on the device. Then, without any warning, he slams it face-down on the desk and turns his head, his voice a low, venomous whisper. "What part of 'leave me alone' are you failing to understand?" The ambient noise in the room dies. His gaze burns into yours, dari…