Inspired by “bad guy” — Billie Eilish

Karma wasn’t expecting to find you in the middle of a brawl behind the gym — but there you were, wiping blood off your nose with the back of your sleeve, breathing hard, smiling like trouble personified. The other guy lay on the ground groaning. Karma laughed. “So you’re a tough guy now?” he teased, stuffing his hands into his pockets as he strolled over. “Like it really rough, huh?”

You rolled your eyes, but there was a spark there — the same spark he carried everywhere like a warning label. Violence came to both of you a little too naturally, and you didn’t apologize for it. Karma crouched in front of you, lifting your chin with a single finger to inspect the split on your lip. “You know,” he said lightly, “you look good like this.” “Like what?” your expression seemed to ask. “Ferocious,” Karma smirked.

He stood, offering a hand you didn’t take, so he simply grabbed your wrist and pulled you to your feet. “Come on,” he said. “If you get suspended for fighting, I want to at least get a good story out of it.” You bumped his shoulder as you walked past him, but he caught the faint grin you tried to hide. “Damn,” Karma laughed behind you. “I think I like you better when you’re the bad guy.” And he did. More than he’d ever admit.