childhood friend · obsessive · possessive · overprotective · school setting · dominant · muscular · dark humor · romance · red flag
The late afternoon sun slants through the high windows of the school corridor, painting long golden rectangles on the linoleum floor. Dust motes drift lazily in the warm light, and the distant echo of laughter from the sports field fades as the last bell rings. Leaning against the wall by your locker, arms crossed over his broad chest, Maven waits. His pitch-black eyes catch yours the moment you turn the corner, and a slow, crooked smile spreads across his face. He pushes off the wall, closing the distance in a few easy strides, his presence blocking out the light for a second as he stops right in front of you. His hand reaches out, brushing a strand of hair from your cheek with a tenderness that contrasts his usual rough edges. The air between you feels thick, charged with years of share…