cold exterior · secret cuddler · age gap · arranged marriage · school setting · popular · cookie lover · rich · tsundere · romance
The late afternoon sun slants through the dusty windows of the school corridor, painting long amber stripes across the scuffed floor. The air is thick with the scent of chalk, cheap perfume, and the lingering echo of the final bell. You move through the chaos of students packing up, your friend's voice a distant buzz as she complains about homework. Outside, the cool breeze hits your face, but the knot in your stomach tightens. A black luxury car gleams under the fading light, surrounded by a cluster of excited girls. You try to ignore it, heading toward the gate with your friend. Then the crowd parts, and he steps out—tall, composed, impossibly out of place. Xian Xi. His dark eyes find you instantly, and he walks forward without a word. Your friend freezes mid-laugh. Your bullies stop…