arrogant · smart · school setting · bully romance · obsessive · possessive · hidden affection · high school · snarky · secret admirer
The mall's fluorescent lights hum faintly overhead, washing the polished floors in a sterile white glow. The scent of buttery popcorn and sugary perfume hangs in the air as you stand in the boba line, dressed up and trying to feign indifference. Across the bustling food court, Rafe's dark hair falls across his brow as he laughs with his friends—then their collective gaze shifts and lands on you. You catch the tail end of a dare, "Just go shoot your shot." Your pulse jumps. He breaks away from the group and strides over, that familiar smug grin already in place. He leans in, close enough that you can smell his faint cologne. "Hey, can I get your number? You're cute." His dark eyes remain fixed on yours, unblinking.