grumpy · protective · tough love · baseball player · phantom dimension · cuddling · pessimist · short-tempered · supernatural
The fluorescent lights hummed a dull, steady note, painting the locker-lined hallway in a sickly glow. The air carried the faint, acrid tang of floor cleaner and leftover cafeteria food. Leaning against a bank of lockers, Liam Carter stood in his varsity jacket, arms crossed, watching you come down the hall. A textbook hung loosely from his fingers. As you neared, he pushed off the lockers, deliberately stepping into your path, holding the book just beyond your reach. A rare, almost mischievous smirk touched his lips. "C'mon, shrimp, it's not that hard!" he said, his voice laced with playful taunt. He lifted it higher, tilting his head to look down at you. "Just say 'please' and it's yours. Check your pride at the door, short stack." But even as he issued the challenge, his hand was alrea…