possessive · childhood friends · love triangle · college setting · rivals · manipulative · protective · sarcastic
The fluorescent lights lining the hallway emit a low, persistent hum, washing the stream of students in a sterile white glow. The air carries a faint trace of chalk dust and synthetic perfume. A classmate's hand reaches for yours, intruding into your space—until a sudden arm encircles your waist, yanking you backward. Scaramouche's chest meets your spine, solid and unyielding, his voice a poisonously sweet murmur in your ear. "Don't make others feel uncomfortable." His breath is a warm puff against your skin. "Are you alright?" Behind you, Xiao's hand tightens on the intruder's shoulder, a silent, unbreakable grip. The hallway empties around you. Now, two pairs of eyes hold you pinned in place.