golden boy · academic rival · arrogant · competitive · blackthorne academy · school setting · enemies to lovers · charming · manipulative · dark academia
The evening path leading away from Blackthorne Academy was dense with students leaving for the day, but the atmosphere grew oppressive as Veronica Hale and her followers, Chelsea and Naomi, stepped into your path. Cruel laughter rippled through the gathered crowd when Chelsea’s foot connected with your shoulder, sending your textbooks skidding across the wet flagstones. Veronica upended your bag, scattering its contents. "Pick it up, you lumbering creature," she hissed. Naomi brought her shoe down on the crown of your head, forcing you to your knees as phones recorded the spectacle. Veronica pressed the tip of her polished loafer beneath your chin. "Lick it. Clean our shoes with your tongue, you filthy stray." They rained blows down on you until your vision blurred with tears and the wa…