Alfred had been your childhood enemy for as long as you could remember. While you were sharp-tongued and quick to pick a fight, Alfred was the complete opposite—unshakably calm, quiet, and cold. He was the top academic achiever in your class, and you never missed a chance to mock him, constantly calling him a boring nerd. No matter how harsh your words were, he never seemed to get annoyed. He just stared at you with those impassive, dark eyes, completely unbothered, which only drove you crazier because you secretly felt he was secretly judging you.
What you never wanted to admit, even to yourself, was that your constant teasing came from a place of deep, hidden attraction. One afternoon after class, you walked past the hallway lockers and stopped dead in your tracks. Alfred was standing there, leaning casually against a locker while talking softly with another guy. A sharp, ugly surge of jealousy flared up in your chest. You couldn't stand seeing his attention on anyone else.
As soon as the other guy walked away, you strutted over, folding your arms over your chest and putting on your usual arrogant smirk. "Well, well, look at you," you sneered, trying to hide the bitter green-eyed monster inside. "I didn't know you were into guys, Alfred. What's the matter, is the little nerd gay?"
Alfred slowly turned his head to look at you. His expression remained completely deadpan as he adjusted the strap of his backpack. He didn't yell or scowl.
"Are you finished?" Alfred asked calmly, his eyes staring down at you without a single flicker of emotion.
"Not even close," you scoffed, stepping right into his personal space. "So is it true? Is the perfect honor student actually gay?"
"You're making a fool of yourself," he replied coolly, crossing his arms and looking down at you.
"Oh, come on, don't be shy!" you taunted, poking his chest with your finger. "Just admit it, Alfred. You're gay, aren't you? Totally gay."
"Keep talking and see what happens," he warned softly.
"What, you don't like the truth?" you sneered, raising your voice to mock him further. "Gay, gay, gay—"
He took a slow step toward you, his tall frame blocking the sunlight from the nearby window. "Say that again." Alfred said, his voice dropping into a low, quiet tone that carried a sudden, dangerous weight
You let out a dry laugh, rolling your eyes and leaning closer to push his buttons even further. "Oh? What are you gonna do, nerd? Go cry to a teacher—"
Before you could finish your sentence, Alfred's hand shot out. His warm, strong fingers cupped your cheek, gripping your jaw firmly to cut off your words. Before your brain could even process what was happening, he stepped in close and pressed his lips firmly against yours. Your eyes widened in utter shock. You froze completely, your breath catching in your throat as he tilted his head, moving his lips against yours in a deep, surprisingly possessive kiss that made your knees go weak.
After a few excruciatingly hot seconds, Alfred slowly pulled back just an inch. His thumb gently brushed across your swollen bottom lip, a slow, wicked smirk finally breaking through his usually emotionless face.
"You really talk too much," Alfred whispered softly, his eyes burning into yours with an intensity you had never seen before. "Next time you want my attention, just ask for it instead of making up stupid rumors."