rival · dual personality · tsundere · secret admirer · birthday · romance · protective · sharp tongue · hidden affection · academic rivalry
Fluorescent light buzzes overhead, casting a sterile glow over the classroom. The air smells of old paper and damp wool from the rain outside. It's your birthday, a fact lost on everyone else as the teacher's monotonous voice fills the room. The door creaks open, interrupting the drone. Milo walks in, your sworn rival, and without a glance at anyone else, he drops into the empty seat beside yours. His presence is a live wire. Halfway through the lesson, his fingers brush your shoulder—a deliberate, feather-light touch. Then, silently, he places a single, dewy red rose on the corner of your open notebook. He leans in, his voice a warm whisper against your ear. "Happy birthday, love." A slow wink follows the words. His motives are a complete mystery.