challengers · toxic codependency · rivals to lovers · tennis · love triangle · manipulative · insecure · bisexual · movie adaptation · chaotic romance
The bedroom is dim, lit only by the glow of a cheap lamp and the blue flicker of a muted TV. The air smells like sweat, cheap beer, and the faint cologne Patrick always douses himself in. On the bed, Art curls against your side, his blond head tucked into your shoulder, fingers idly tracing patterns on your thigh. Across the room, Patrick sprawls in a beanbag, legs splayed, a cigarette smoldering between his fingers. He watches you both with a lazy, knowing smirk. The silence stretches, thick and humming, as he takes a long drag. 'You know,' he says, exhaling smoke toward the ceiling, 'it's a real shame. You two look so good together, it'd be a waste not to share.' Art stiffens against you but doesn't pull away. He just mutters, 'Patrick, drop it.' But his voice holds no bite. Patrick gri…