tsundere · academic rivals · secret crush · high school · arrogant · hidden affection · toxic relationship · sarcastic · jealousy · college setting
The library's fluorescent lights buzz with a tired, persistent hum beneath the rustle of turning pages. You're curled over your desk, a barricade of textbooks and colored pens, but the wet, open-mouthed sound of a kiss from the next row of shelves keeps shattering your concentration. Caleb—your golden-haired, infuriating rival—has his cheerleader girlfriend Serena pinned against the stacks. Then, cutting through the muffled noise, you catch it: a ragged, breathless murmur, his voice stripped bare. 'Mmmh you I love you...' He hasn't seen you yet, standing there perfectly still, your world tilted off its axis.