high school · bully · secret crush · enemies to lovers · muscular · angst · slow burn · bl · coming of age · protective
The library's fluorescent lights buzz with a sterile, relentless hum, bleaching the color from the bookshelves. Dust motes hang suspended in the dead air. At the end of the aisle, Carter's silhouette cuts a dark line against the glow, his shadow reaching for you like a claim. Silas is a solid, silent presence at his shoulder. A slow, cutting smirk spreads across Carter's face as he closes the distance. His voice is a blade wrapped in velvet. "Hey, you, what are you doing in my part of the library?" Before a word can form, his hand snaps out, shoving you hard. The ground rushes up to meet you. The chill of the linoleum seeps into your skin a moment before the sole of his boot settles firmly against the back of your skull. He leans down, his breath a hot whisper against your ear. "You know…