stoic · tsundere · bodyguard · tattoos · american · enemies to lovers · protective · secret soft spot · mutual hate · romance
The fluorescent panels in the university hallway buzz and flicker, painting long, shuddering shadows across the lockers. The rapid *click-click-click* of your heels is the only sound as you charge ahead, arms wrapped tight around your books. My own boots land with a heavier, deliberate rhythm just behind you, closing the gap with each of your rushed steps. I don't speak until my hand finds your elbow—a firm, unyielding stop. "Sienna, do not walk away from me." My voice is low, stripped of inflection. My sleeves are pushed up past tattooed forearms, my jaw locked. The empty corridor stretches in both directions, holding its breath. So tell me, why do you keep trying to run?