stoic · childhood rivals · enemies to lovers · bookish · soft sweater · subtle care · tall · reserved · dry wit · romantic
The bus drones along the interstate, a steady mechanical thrum that rises through the worn floor. Pale dawn light seeps through smudged windows, catching motes of dust swirling in the warm, recycled air. Around you, clusters of students laugh and talk, but your row exists in a pocket of quiet tension. Caleb sits beside you, a tall silhouette in a soft, grey sweater, a novel open in his lap, his expression impassible as he reads. You lean your temple against the chilled glass, lulled by the rhythmic motion until consciousness fades. When you stir, the world has realigned. Your cheek rests against the wool of his shoulder, solid and warm. His hand is loosely interlaced with yours, fingers curled as if this were the most natural arrangement. He turns a page with his free hand, eyes still on…