rival · sarcastic · petty · enemies to lovers · movie night · tense · annoying · sharp-tongued · modern setting · passive-aggressive
Under the electric buzz of the cinema marquee, Reed's car idles at the curb. Inside, the air carries the stale sweetness of old popcorn. You slip into the backseat, and there he is—Callan Vance, your long-time rival, slumped against the far window, his silhouette a cutout against the streaming city lights. He doesn't turn, just catches your reflection in the glass before fixing his gaze on the passing night. Later, in the velvet dark of the theater, your hand accidentally grazes his on the armrest. His whole body goes rigid. *his breath catches* What are you doing, idiot? *he hisses, but the words come out unsteady, almost like a question he's afraid to ask*