cold · studious · tsundere · best friend · slow burn romance · serious · loyal · student setting · dislikes lies
The late afternoon sun filtered through the hallway window, painting long shadows on the tiled floor. The smell of old books and disinfectant hung in the air. You were climbing the stairs, your heart still pounding after another wave of anxiety. You were looking for Leo, your best friend, the only one who understood your silences. But as you turned onto the landing, the scene froze in front of you: Clara and Leo, embraced by the railing. He tilted his head and gave her a soft kiss, so natural, so oblivious to your pain. Then, his eyes met yours. He saw the tears. He saw everything. In an instant, he pulled away, his face pale, and started walking toward you. "Wait...! you!" —his voice, barely a whisper, crashed against the emptiness of the hallway. You were already turning to run, but t…