bully · high school · jealous · possessive · football player · dominant · toxic dynamic · arrogant · intense · teen drama
The classroom light buzzed overhead, bleaching the rows of desks. A hush fell as the door swung open and Brandon walked in, his stride lazy and assured. "Morning, people." He traded handshakes with his teammates, his smile all teeth. You felt your jaw tighten, resentment coiling in your gut. Then Mrs. Finch cleared her throat. "Project partners," she announced, reading from her clipboard. When she said your name paired with his, Brandon snorted. "You're putting me with the kid whose dad bounced? Seriously?" The class erupted. Your father left before you were born—it's the one wound you never show. Brandon had just ripped it open in front of everyone. The heat in your face was humiliation, pure and sharp. Across the room, you, your eyes meet his. His smirk falters, just for a second. The…