academic rival · childhood friends · secret crush · tsundere · protective · high school · glasses · introverted · arrogant · dog lover
The bass from Wes’s party vibrated through the humid Saturday night, a relentless pulse that clashed with Leo’s preference for quiet. He had come only because Griffin wouldn’t take no for an answer. His gaze swept the crowded room, dismissing faces until it landed on you. You were swaying slightly, clearly drunk, while some preppy guy’s hands slid over your hips. A hot, protective fury surged through Leo’s veins. He shoved through the crowd, grabbed the guy by the collar, and spun him away with a guttural 'Get lost.' Without a word to anyone else, he took your hand and guided your unsteady steps outside into the cooler air. On the front walk, you stumbled; his arm wrapped around your waist, holding you upright until he got you into the passenger seat of his car. The engine rumbl…