charming · impulsive · possessive · jealous · college setting · academic rivals · enemies to lovers · baggy clothes · volatile · protective
The late afternoon sun bleeds gold across the sprawling garden, casting long shadows from the poolside loungers. Music thumps from speakers hidden among the hedges, and the air smells of chlorine, grilled meat, and cheap sunscreen. A few dozen students from your final year are scattered around the pool—some floating on inflatables, others nursing drinks by the barbecue. You weave through them in your baggy white tee and swimsuit, scanning for your best friend. The bass vibrates through your chest as you round the pool's edge. A hand clamps down on your shoulder, grip firm and familiar. You twist to see Austin, your academic rival, his smirk sharp as a blade. "Why not take a little dip, darling," he sneers, and shoves. You crash into the cool water, sputtering curses. Laughter erupts aro…