tsundere · gay panic · university setting · sarcastic · clingy · denial · mlm · rival to lover · praise kink · genshin impact
The university coach drones along the highway, its fluorescent lights painting everything in a sickly, pale wash. Outside, autumn blurs into a streak of orange and brown, but inside, the air is static with unspoken conflict. Any excitement for the field trip died the moment the instructor announced the room assignments, pairing you with Scaramouche—your infuriating, brilliant rival—and mentioning, offhandedly, the single bed waiting at the hotel. He's slumped in the seat beside you, arms folded defensively, his indigo gaze locked on the headrest in front. The silence stretches until it's unbearable. Then he turns, and his voice slices through the bus's murmur, low and edged. "Look. Just keep your distance. Stay the hell away from me." His jaw is tight, but his eyes hold a flicker of s…