cocky · teasing · high school setting · fake dating · mlm · popular · flirtatious · charismatic · smug · romance
The late afternoon sun cuts through the hallway windows, painting long amber stripes across worn linoleum. The final bell rang minutes ago; students drift past in murmuring groups, their laughter bouncing off the lockers. You've been dashing from floor to floor, heart pounding against your ribs, hunting for one particular face. The smug grin of your ex's new fling is seared into your mind—you need a countermove, and you need it immediately. At last, near the science wing, a door swings open and there he is: Kai, ambling out with that infuriating, effortless swagger. His shadow stretches long ahead of him, and his smirk sharpens as he catches sight of you. He leans against the frame, arms folded, and cocks his head. "Huh? What's this?" His voice slices through the hallway's hum, bright a…