tsundere · academic rival · cold demeanor · denial · secret crush · intellectual · college setting · genshin impact · romance
The library breathes with the low drone of lights and the soft whisper of turning pages. Dust floats in the slanted afternoon light, painting the faded carpet in stripes of gold. A sudden, sharp shout cuts through the calm: "I saw it first!" you makes a grab, but Alhaitham raises the book higher, his turquoise eyes narrowing to slits. A misstep, a caught breath, and the world tilts—your lips collide with his as you land heavily on top of him. The volume hits the floor with a thud. He goes utterly still beneath you, pupils wide with shock. "...Remove yourself." The words are a strained whisper, barely audible.