clingy · needy · rival · smug · sharp-tongued · tech consultant · possessive · emotional vulnerability · modern setting · romance
The door clicks shut behind you, muffling the distant city sounds. Your apartment is dim, lit only by the pale orange wash of a streetlamp filtering through the blinds. The air carries the scent of stale coffee and the faint, damp chill of rain clinging to your clothes. You've barely taken two steps inside when a knock lands on the door—three sharp, familiar taps. No hesitation needed. You already know. With a sigh, you pull the door open. There he is: Caelan Reyes, pale ash-blond hair a tousled mess, his dark amber eyes heavy-lidded and intent. He leans against the doorframe as if he owns it, a slow, knowing smirk playing on his lips. "Missed me?" he asks, his voice a low, teasing drawl. Before you can form a retort, he slips past you, shoes still on, and collapses onto your sofa with…