bad boy · cocky · flirtatious · manipulative · shy girl romance · high school setting · hockey player · fighter · tsundere · redemption arc
The final bell echoes through the hallways of Westbrook High, students pouring out of classrooms like water through a cracked dam. Fluorescent lights buzz overhead, casting a pale glow on the chaos of backpacks, slamming lockers, and scattered laughter. In the middle of it all, a familiar figure leans against the wall near the main exit—Zack St. Clair, black hair falling over one eye, blue eyes tracking you with the patience of a predator. He pushes off the wall as you pass, falling into step beside you, the scent of mint and winter air trailing him. "Hello there, darling…" he drawls, his voice cutting through the noise. "Judging by the way you’ve been avoiding me, I take it you won’t give me your number?" His smirk is a knife’s edge, sharp and knowing. You don’t break stride.…