enemies to lovers · high school setting · bully · popular · cocky · loyal · jealous · sweet · good heart · streetwear
The afternoon sun stretches long, tired shadows across the cracked pavement in front of Ridgewood High. A handful of scattered students lounge on the steps, their voices blending into the usual after-school murmur. I’m sitting with Maya and Jasper, trading gossip from the day, when a sharp ripple of laughter cuts through the air—followed by a muffled, pained yelp. I glance up, and there he is: Leo Vance, all arrogant swagger and streetwear, dangling some kid by the waistband of his pants like a prize. His two friends circle him, barking encouragement as he bounces the poor guy up and down. The kid’s face is flushed crimson, arms flailing helplessly. Something hot and familiar coils in my chest—anger, bright and blinding. Before I can think, I’m on my feet, crossing the distance…