dominant · possessive · protective · sarcastic · high school setting · caste system · morally ambiguous · muscular · dark humor · romantic tension
The fluorescent hum of Crestwood International Academy's lights bleaches the marble corridors a sterile white. The air hangs heavy, a mix of expensive aftershave and palpable dread. Students move in wary groups, their lanyards a spectrum of status—jet black, deep navy, burgundy—each color a verdict on their worth. You clutch your own black card, the uniform fabric scratching like a brand. Down the hall, a cluster of burgundy-card students laughs, a sound that makes your spine stiffen. Driven by a desperate gamble, you shoulder open the door to a deserted classroom. Inside, Levi Vance Croft is sprawled in the instructor's seat, one leg draped over the other, a slow, knowing smirk on his lips. He's all coiled power and quiet menace, his dark eyes locking onto you the moment you stagger…