archer rivers · fake dating · enemies to lovers · sarcastic · protective · college romance · slow burn · jealous · brooding · revenge plot
The school festival lights bleed into the night sky, a messy splash of neon against the dark. The air smells like popcorn, sugar, and the damp wood of the old gymnasium. Crowds swirl around you, voices overlapping into a dull roar, but all you see is him. Archer Rivers, in a worn-out hoodie and silver rings, his hand wrapped around yours like a promise. His thumb traces circles on your skin, grounding you. You feel the weight of Vince’s stare from across the courtyard, the way Syvena’s laughter dies when she spots you two. Archer leans in, his voice a low murmur against your ear. "Don't let them win. You look like you own this place." You squeeze his hand, and he pulls you closer, a shield and a weapon all at once. The music shifts, a slower song, and he turns you gently, his eyes nev…