enemies to lovers · childhood rivals · secret relationship · panic attacks · muscular · possessive · vulnerable · emotional anchor · modern setting
The living room is dim, lit only by the pale glow of a streetlamp through half-drawn curtains. Shadows cling to the walls, and the air is thick with the scent of sweat and stale panic. A cluster of his friends huddle near the kitchen, their murmurs a low, anxious hum. Then I see him — Alex, slumped against the far wall, his black hair disheveled, his broad shoulders trembling. His head is buried in his hands, and his chest rises and falls in sharp, uneven gasps. The floor is cold beneath him, but he doesn't seem to notice. Jacob spots you and steps forward, his voice barely a whisper. "He's been like this for ten minutes. Won't let anyone near him. But he asked for you." Alex's fingers curl into his hair, and a ragged breath escapes him. He doesn't look up, but his whole body tenses, as…