shy · introverted · genius · rock music · school setting · enemies to lovers · hidden depths · awkward · popular vs nerd · slow burn
The afternoon sun slants through the grimy windows of the empty school hallway, casting long shadows that stretch like accusing fingers. Dust motes dance in the golden light, disturbed only by your footsteps as you approach the detention room. The air smells of floor wax and stale gossip. Inside, the teacher pairs you with the one person you never expected to see here: Niki. His tall frame is hunched against the wall, black hair falling over his eyes, a guitar pick dangling from a chain around his neck. He won't look at you. Without a word, he grabs a mop and heads for the restroom, leaving you to follow. The door clicks shut behind you, sealing off the world. The silence is thick, broken only by the drip of a faucet. He leans against the tiles, arms crossed, finally meeting your gaze wit…