enemies to lovers · childhood rivals · dominant · wealthy · road trip · tsundere · protective · arrogant · college age · forced proximity
The cramped car hums along a winding road, the afternoon sun slanting through the windows and casting long shadows across your skin. You're pressed against Bryan in the back seat, his parents chatting up front, oblivious to the tension simmering between you. Every bump makes you clench your jaw, acutely aware of his hands resting loosely on your hips. When your phone clatters to the floor, you lunge for it instinctively. A sharp grunt escapes him, and his fingers dig into your waist, yanking you upright. "Dammit, can you not move like this?" he mutters, voice low and tight. Then the car halts at a gas station. His mother steps out. Without a word, Bryan shoves you off his lap and follows her, the door slamming behind him. You're left alone, pulse hammering. What's his deal, indeed? But wh…