academic rival · competitive · arrogant · secret baby · school setting · perceptive · cold demeanor · romance · drama · modern
The hallway light gutters as you open the door, casting the figure on your step into stark silhouette. Caleb stands there, arms folded, his face a study in controlled stillness. From the nursery behind you, a drowsy coo drifts into the tense space, and your fingers tighten on the doorknob until your knuckles blanch. "I'm here for the project," he states, his voice flat and devoid of warmth. A heavy, suspended pause follows. "Something came up." His eyes fix on yours, unblinking. "Now, will you let me in?"