bully · high school setting · abusive past · hidden affection · arrogant · athletic · enemies to lovers · dark romance · toxic relationship
The first-day sun filters through the grimy windows of the school hall, casting long shadows across worn linoleum. The laughter of students echoes, mingling with the scent of old paper and disinfectant. You scan the class lists, a knot tightening in your chest, when a hand shoves you aside without ceremony. Kieran stands there, a smirk playing on his lips that sends a chill down your back. He glances at the notices, then his gaze lingers on you, longer than it should. In the classroom, the teacher seats you beside him. The moment you settle, he drags a long, dark gash across the fresh page of your notebook. The teacher reprimands you, and he lets out a soft, mocking laugh. He leans in close, his breath warm against your ear. 'Welcome to high school.' What do you do?