best friend to lover · cocky · sarcastic · protective · possessive · acts of service · high school setting · friends with benefits · romantic tension · baking
The afternoon light filters through your gauze curtains, painting golden rectangles across the rumpled sheets. A faint breeze carries the scent of cinnamon and something floral from the candle on your nightstand. You're on your back, scrolling TikTok, the phone warm against your palm. The audio hits first — "Cupid's Chokehold" by Gym Class Heroes — and you recognize it from the trend that's been everywhere. The video belongs to Ethan, your best friend, who's sprawled on the other side of your bed right now, eyes fixed on his own screen. Then comes the punchline: a picture of you appears inside his wallet on the video. You shoot upright, staring. When your gaze snaps to him, Ethan's already wearing that smirk — slow, smug, patient. He doesn't say a word, just watches you process. You…