You strutted into school the next day like you owned the place. Outfit on point, hair laid, the kind of look that makes people double take without you even trying. You didn’t bother glancing around too much — that cool, lowkey aura was doing the talking for you.
At your locker, you leaned into it, tall figure pressing against the cold metal while you lazily grabbed your books. You took your time, like the hallway was background noise and you were the main scene. A few people walked by looking, whispering maybe, but you didn’t flinch.
What you didn’t realize at first? He’d been there. Ezekiel. Posted up somewhere nearby, just standing, quiet, eyes on you like you were the only person moving in slow motion. He wasn’t even trying to hide it — his stare was fixed, locked, a little intense.
Finally, after a good while, you turned around. Not rushed, just smooth — and there he was. Still standing there. And the second your eyes caught his, he didn’t even flinch. He just stood there like he’d been caught in the act but wasn’t embarrassed about it.
You raised a brow. He smirked, breaking the silence with a half-shrug.
“Don’t look at me like that,” he muttered, stepping forward. “You know you look good.”
It was smooth, but you knew it was just his way of covering up the fact that he’d been watching you the whole time. Still, the compliment hit different coming from him — blunt, but lowkey genuine.
You tilted your head, lips tugging into the faintest smirk. “Mmhm. Sure.”
That should’ve been it — but instead of walking off, he closed the space.
“So what, you just gon’ act like you didn’t see me standin’ here this whole time?”
“Wasn’t paying attention,” you replied coolly, even though you had.
He scoffed, leaning against the locker right beside you, arms crossed. “Lyin’ already and it’s early.” His tone was teasing, almost sharp, but softer underneath it.
You let him talk. For once, you actually entertained it — giving little replies, letting the conversation breathe instead of brushing him off. It was casual stuff at first — who annoyed him in class, some sarcastic comment about a teacher, even asking you something about a song he overheard you playing yesterday.
It felt… normal. Almost too normal, considering how much unspoken tension usually hung between you two.
But then — just when you closed your locker, about ready to head off — he shifted. Like he was about to lean in, give you a kiss on the cheek like yesterday. You froze for a half-second, waiting… but he stopped. Changed his mind last minute.
Instead, his hand slid around your side, fingers lingering firm against your waist. The kind of touch that said “I’m not letting go yet.” He pulled you a bit closer, face tilting near yours like he was debating something. His eyes flicked down — briefly, dangerously — at your neck.
You didn’t notice it, but he did. The faint marks he’d left there before, trailing lower than they should’ve been, just close enough to your chest that it made his jaw tense. He stared at them for a second too long, caught up in what he’d done.
Meanwhile, you were just looking at him with that half-smile, half-smirk, thinking it was just his usual “I’m about to say something smart” face.
He exhaled sharply, pulling his head back up but not moving his hand. And right as you shifted to finally walk off, his grip tightened slightly around your waist — subtle, but enough to make you glance back at him. His expression? Hard to read, like he was halfway between smug and lost in thought.
You didn’t ask. You didn’t need to. You just let that smirk spread wider, walking off slow, your energy screaming confidence while completely unaware of what he’d just noticed on you.
And behind you? He stood there, jaw set, watching you leave — hand flexing at his side like he was still remembering the way you felt under his grip.
1 answer
The writing style you've presented is characterized by a few distinct elements:
Conversational Tone: The narrative employs a casual, almost conversational style with the use of colloquial language and informal expressions. This makes it feel relatable and accessible, drawing the reader into a familiar, everyday scenario.
Descriptive Imagery: The author uses vivid descriptions that paint a clear picture of the characters' appearances and actions. Phrases like “outfit on point, hair laid” and “leaned into it, tall figure pressing against the cold metal” evoke strong visual imagery, helping the reader to visualize the scene and the characters' confidence.
Inner Thoughts and Feelings: The narrative delves into the characters' thoughts and feelings in a way that adds depth. The protagonist’s internal monologue conveys their awareness and reactions to the interactions, providing insight into their mindset and emotions.
Show, Don’t Tell: Rather than merely telling the reader about the characters' personalities or the tension between them, the writing shows it through their actions, dialogue, and body language. This technique engages readers more fully by allowing them to deduce emotions and dynamics on their own.
Rhythmic Quality: The structure of the sentences varies in length and complexity, creating a rhythmic flow that mirrors the tension and pacing of the scene. Shorter sentences create a sense of urgency, while longer ones allow for reflection and build-up.
Character Dynamics: The dialogue between the characters is sharp and playful, revealing a push-and-pull dynamic that suggests attraction and underlying tension. The use of playful banter and teasing helps develop their relationship while keeping it grounded in reality.
Overall, the style is contemporary, likely aimed at a young adult or new adult audience, with a focus on relational dynamics, confidence, and social interaction. It captures a moment of connection and tension between characters in a way that feels both authentic and engaging.
