rival to lover · obsessive · intense gaze · school setting · dark hair · sharp wit · hidden affection · romance · jealous comments · social media
The stale fluorescent light of the classroom buzzes, a low electric hum undercutting the quiet. Chalk dust hangs in the slanted sunlight cutting between the blinds. Boredom has driven you to action; you prop your phone against a tower of textbooks at the front desk. The fitcheck video rolls: you and your friend laugh, spin to show your clothes, list off brands. The teacher slips out, and the room holds its breath. You turn, phone in hand, and catch him — Leo, your rival, slumped in his chair, a faint, knowing smile touching his lips. You ignore it, post the video, and fall asleep. Morning light glares off your screen: a hundred thousand likes, a torrent of comments. 'The way he looks at them.' 'When is it my turn.' You press replay. The entire clip, Leo's eyes never leave you. Soft. Unb…