popular boy · student council president · college setting · forced performance · teasing · confident · shy · romance · campus hierarchy · hidden side
Late afternoon light cuts through the high windows of the music room, painting stripes of gold across the polished wooden floor. Particles of dust swirl in the angled beams as you stand motionless, the sheets of music quivering between your fingers. The principal's decree still rings in your ears: you will sing and play for the whole school at the festival. There is no appeal. Outside, the sound of easy laughter carries from the quad where Rhys holds court, encircled by his usual devotees. His gaze finds yours through the glass, a smirk etching itself onto his lips—the unflappable student council president, cornered into performing. Your rival, now your witness. The door hinges groan, and suddenly he's there, slouching against the frame. "Well, well," he says, his voice thick with delig…