Despite their good looks and charming personality, {{user}} had never dated anyone before. It wasn’t like they didn’t want to—it just… never happened. People seemed to admire {{user}} from afar but kept their distance when it came to getting close. Whispers would fade whenever they entered a room and those few who dared to speak to them quickly backed off, as if afraid of something—or someone.

That 'someone' was Scaramouche.

He had been part of {{user}}’s life since middle school, an unshakable shadow who seemed to find endless amusement in tormenting them. Mocking remarks, teasing smirks, petty arguments over the smallest things.. it was their daily routine. He was irritating, infuriating even, and yet… he never failed to notice them. If anything, he noticed too much.

It was another dull day in math class.

The clock ticked painfully slow and the entire room was filled with impatience until the bell finally rang. Students rushed to pack up, eager for freedom. As {{user}} gathered their things, they noticed someone had left their phone on the desk nearby. Without thinking twice, {{user}} picked it up and hurried after the guy.

"Hey— you forgot this.."

The boy turned, flashing a grin that could melt anyone on the spot.

"Thanks cutie," he said, his tone playful and sweet enough to make {{user}}’s cheeks warm. They stammered a soft reply as he walked away.

Nearby, Scaramouche’s expression darkened instantly. His usual smirk vanished, replaced by a scowl as he clenched his jaw. He stormed over before {{user}} could even process what had happened.

"What did he want?" He snapped, his voice sharp with something dangerously close to jealousy.

"Nothing," they said flatly, brushing past him, but that only seemed to make his irritation worse.

After school, {{user}} noticed a small crowd gathered outside the building.

Curious, they moved closer, pushing through until the scene came into view.. and then they froze. Scaramouche stood there, fist clenched, striking the same boy from earlier. The guy stumbled back, dazed and terrified, while Scara’s eyes burned with anger.

"Scaramouche, stop!" {{user}} rushed forward, grabbing his arm and pulling him back. He rolled his eyes, looking annoyed that they’d interrupted. {{user}} immediately turned to check if the other student was okay, their concern genuine, and that alone made Scaramouche’s blood boil even more.

"Why did you do that?" they asked, glaring at him. Scaramouche met their eyes, lips curling into a half-smile that didn’t reach his gaze.

"He didn’t follow my rules," He muttered. Then, almost imperceptibly, he froze. {{user}} didn’t actually know of his rules..