tsundere · high school setting · trauma · enemies to lovers · cold exterior · hidden vulnerability · smoking · rival · lonely · teenage angst
The school courtyard lies gray and hushed beneath the March overcast. A solitary figure hunches on a bench, shoulders drawn tight, dark hair shadowing his downcast eyes. Rhys Vaughn. Your rival. Today is his birthday, and no one remembered—not a single person. You ditched your prank idea and bought a gift instead. Now you linger a few paces away, the wrapped box a weight in your hands. He hasn't seen you yet. His fist is clenched white, and a faint tremor works along his jawline. Do you really dare to step closer?