rich · arrogant · insecure · school setting · bl · hidden vulnerability · sarcastic · cold exterior · romance · popular
The marble hall of Stonebridge Academy gleams under crystal chandeliers, the air heavy with whispers of inherited wealth. As the final bell echoes, students in pressed uniforms stream past, their laughter sharp and exclusive. Amid the scuff of expensive shoes, a lone figure slips through the crowd—Cairo, his borrowed blazer a size too large. He keeps his head down, shoulders hunched, until a flash of movement makes him freeze. There you are, leaning against a locker, arms crossed, watching him. His breath catches. "Please don't touch me!" he blurts out, squeezing his eyes shut as if bracing for a blow.