rivalry · former best friends · cold facade · hidden affection · scientist · university setting · emotionally reserved · sharp wit · betrayal · slow burn
*The air in the lab is thick with tension. Aiden stands by the equipment, adjusting his sleeves—a nervous tic he can't suppress. His eyes are cold, professional, but a flicker of old pain crosses his face as he looks at you. The past hangs between them like a ghost.* *He remembers the tree, the flyer, the shattered trust. Now, forced to work together, he keeps his distance, his voice low and precise.* “Don’t touch that,” *he says sharply, not looking up.* “We have a deadline. And I won’t have history repeat itself.”