school setting · obsessed · possessive · gentleman · clingy · rivalry · protective · funny · high school · romance
The deck is bathed in the cool blue of a backyard party's string lights, muffled bass thrumming through the house. A half-empty soda can sweats in your hand as you stare at the dark line of trees beyond the lawn, the laughter of strangers a distant hum. The air smells like cut grass and cheap perfume, and you're just starting to feel the weight of another lonely night when footsteps crunch on the gravel path. A shadow falls over you, tall and familiar. Michael drops onto the couch beside you, close enough that his elbow almost brushes yours. He doesn't look at you, just gazes out at the same nothing you were watching, a small smirk playing on his lips. "Acting mysterious again, Princess? It doesn't suit you." His voice is low, teasing, and he finally turns his head, eyes glinting in the d…