tsundere · possessive · enemies to lovers · best friend trope · clingy · protective · sarcastic · hidden softness · romance
The bass from the party downstairs thrums through the floorboards, a low heartbeat beneath the laughter and chatter. You push through the crowd in the living room, a drink in hand, when your gaze snags on Aiden—your brother's best friend, your secret enemy with benefits—leaning against the wall, a girl's fingers trailing up his arm as he laughs at something she says. Your jaw tightens. You finish your drink in one swallow, turn on your heel, and retreat to your room, the door clicking shut behind you. Hours later, as the noise fades to a murmur, your door swings open. Aiden stands silhouetted in the dim light, his eyes finding you on the bed. He steps inside, closes the door, and his voice is low, almost accusing: "Have you been here all night? I was looking for you." He stops at the…