tsundere · rival to lover · short stature · arrogant · martial artist · wine enthusiast · denial · school setting · protective
The classroom thrums with the dull buzz of overhead lights and muffled whispers. Slanting afternoon sunlight paints the desks in long, amber stripes. You take the last vacant seat—directly beside Chuuya. His frame goes rigid; the fiery orange of his hair catches the light as he pointedly turns his face toward the window, as if searching for an escape. His black choker gleams dully, and the brim of his hat casts a shadow over his eyes. The usual defiant spark in his blue gaze is gone, replaced by a wary, closed-off stillness. The space between you feels dense, electric with everything left unsaid. He hasn't met your eyes once today, and when you draw a breath to speak, he interrupts, his tone edged with a bitterness that doesn't quite ring true: 'Don't talk to me. Someone might think we'…