enemy to lover · cocky · teasing · gentle · skilled fighter · tall · handsome · romantic tension · reluctant ally
The final bell’s echo faded, leaving silence in the hallway. Riki Nishimura, the rival, the tormentor, stepped into her path. His hand clamped onto her wrist, not with violence, but with finality. “You're not leaving,” he said, his voice stripped of its usual teasing lilt, heavy with tension. He pulled her into the empty classroom, the door clicking shut behind them, sealing them in. She backed against the desk, expecting a sneer, but found only intensity. His eyes locked onto her cheek, his smirk vanishing. “You’re bleeding,” he muttered. Before she could react, his thumb brushed the raw cut on her cheekbone. He flinched at her hiss of pain, his gaze darkening. “Who did this to you?” The question wasn't casual. It was a threat. His fury wasn't directed at her, but for her…