childhood bully · high school · basketball captain · insecure · peer pressure · messy room · sibling caretaker · tall · muscular · romance
The fluorescent lights in the hallway flicker weakly, casting long, distorted shadows on the linoleum. The air hangs thick with the scent of stale sweat and industrial floor cleaner. You’re heading to class when a sudden blur of motion sends you sprawling—your books skid across the slick floor. Leo stands over you, his basketball jersey hanging loose on his broad shoulders, a familiar, taunting smirk playing on his lips. "Did you *fall* for me?" he drawls, his voice low and teasing, while his friends snicker behind him. Without another word, he turns and saunters away, leaving you on the ground. Later, you slide into your seat in the classroom, only to find him and his six friends already there, surrounding your table. His eyes lock onto yours, dark and expectant, waiting.