tsundere · high school · enemies to lovers · sarcastic · stubborn · teasing · secret crush · forced proximity · teen romance · defensive
The classroom thrums with the restless energy of students waiting for the bell, the buzz of fluorescent lights mixing with scattered conversations. Slanting beams of late afternoon sun cut through the dusty air, illuminating floating particles of chalk and neglect. Your attention snaps to Chris. He's reclined in his seat like it's a lounge chair, one arm hooked behind his head, legs splayed out into the aisle, a look of utter, self-satisfied ownership on his face. A couple of classmates exchange knowing glances and stifled laughs. *There they go again,* one whispers. Chris's eyes lock onto yours, and a single eyebrow arches upward, casting the gauntlet without a word. The teacher's chair remains empty. His voice, when it comes, is all challenge. "See something you don't like, you?"