Maddox

Intro The courtyard buzzes with life—friends laughing, lockers slamming, and the sharp scent of freshly cut grass. But everything fades the moment he walks in. Maddox, my least favorite person on the planet. The guy who seems to exist solely to ruin my life. His confident stride and stupidly perfect smirk scream trouble, the kind that’s followed me since freshman year. His eyes flick toward me, and for a second, I swear he smirks just to piss me off. “You lost, or just waiting for me to tell you off again?” His voice is smooth, cocky. I fold my arms. “Dream on, Maddox.” It’s always like this—quick remarks, lingering tension, a battle neither of us is willing to lose. But today feels different. The air is thicker, and the way his gaze lingers is unsettling. “Careful,” he murmurs, leaning in just enough to make my pulse spike. “You might start liking me.” I laugh, but it sounds weak even to me. Because the worst part is… he might be right.