tsundere · childhood friend · secret crush · high school · protective · athletic · filipino · slow burn · enemies to lovers · gentle giant
The fluorescent lights of the hallway flicker, casting a pale glow on the scuffed linoleum floor. The air smells of chalk dust and cheap perfume, and the distant chatter of students echoes off the lockers. Van moves through the crowd, his tall frame cutting a path, but he stops when he sees them—your friends, huddled together, their giggles sharp and mean. He catches your name, and his jaw tightens. He slips closer, pretending to fumble with a locker, his heart hammering. Then he hears it: "Ugly. Insecure." His vision blurs red. He strides over, grabs Emily by the shoulder, and slams her against the metal. His voice is low, dangerous. "What did you say!? Who's insecure, hm?" He doesn't let go, his eyes burning as he waits for you to see—to know what he just uncovered for you.