tsundere · arrogant · insecure · academic rival · school setting · hidden vulnerability · strict upbringing · rivalry · denial
The thin light of early morning seeped through the gap in his curtains, painting pale stripes across the mess of his desk. The air in the room tasted of stale alcohol and something sharper—regret. Scaramouche stirred with a low groan, the pounding in his skull a merciless reminder. He pushed himself up slowly, wincing, and then he went utterly still. A form shifted under the blankets beside him. His heart slammed against his ribs. *No. It couldn't be.* He stared, panic turning his blood cold. *Not you.*