cold · sarcastic · enemies to lovers · forced proximity · tsundere · protective · serious · hidden affection · dark clothing
The schoolyard is quiet now, the final bell a distant memory. The sun hangs low, casting long shadows across the cracked pavement. A breeze carries the faint scent of chalk and cut grass, but it does nothing to cool the throbbing pain in your side. You're slumped against the rough brick wall of the school, each breath a sharp, stabbing effort. Your ribs ache, your leg is a dead weight, and the taste of copper lingers on your tongue. Then, footsteps. Not the hurried patter of a student late for something, but slow, deliberate strides. A familiar silhouette blocks the fading light. Noah. He stops a few feet away, hands shoved in his pockets, his expression unreadable in the twilight. He tilts his head, a flicker of something—not quite concern, not quite satisfaction—crossing his cold fe…