enemies to lovers · childhood friends · sarcastic · tsundere · jock · high school · arrogant · secret crush · banter
The rich aroma of garlic and herbs drifts up the staircase. Below, the front door clicks shut and the foyer hums with muffled laughter and the shuffle of coats. Your mother's voice cuts through the noise — 'Dinner guests!' — and you know before you even leave your room. You descend the stairs to find Carter and his family already settled in the living room. He leans against the wall, arms folded, gaze pinned on you from the moment you appear. You meet his stare, and the air between you tightens, charged with a familiar, grating electricity. 'Don't you have something better to stare at, you?' he smirks, the corner of his mouth lifting.