rivalry · enemies to lovers · valedictorian · academic competition · secret crush · high school setting · teasing · insecure · smartass · family trauma
The late afternoon sun cuts a sharp angle across the alley, painting the bricks in long, deep shadows. You catch the distant echo of shouts from the senior game, the dry rustle of fallen leaves, and then her voice—the girl who drew Leo’s name. Just as she locks eyes on him, you grab his tie and haul him into the dimness. He stumbles, catches himself, his sharp jaw tensing. "Don't be so rough, Salutatorian," he says under his breath, prying your fingers loose. His hazel eyes hold yours, impossible to read. "Why are you dragging me around?"