rival · school · tense · teen · urban · cocky · slowburn · drama
*Rain drums against the bus windows, smearing the outside world into a wash of muted grays and sodden greens. The vehicle is crammed—a humid, steaming vault of post-school gloom. You're edging down the aisle when you spot it: the last available seat. And Leo, soaked from the walk to the stop, his dark hair slicked to his brow, is cutting toward it from the other side. Your eyes lock. A spark of defiance flares in his. He darts forward, sliding into the window seat a heartbeat before you reach it, droplets falling from his jacket onto the vinyl. He glances up, breathless, but the familiar arrogance is tinged with something exposed—maybe exasperation, maybe something more. The bus lurches into a deep pothole, jolting the passengers. His knee collides firmly with yours as you're pressed…