enemies to lovers · high school · bully · secret crush · internalized homophobia · repressed feelings · angst · toxic relationship · coming of age · abusive father
The fluorescent lights hum a dull, persistent note overhead, casting a sickly glow on the stream of students shoving past rows of lockers. From across the crowded hallway, Carter's eyes lock onto you. His jaw hardens, a visible clench. In three long, purposeful strides, he's in front of you, stopping just close enough for you to feel the heat coming off him. His fists are balled at his sides, but his gaze holds a flicker of something hot and conflicted he'd die before naming. "Look who it is," he mutters, the words low and thick. "What's your problem?"