tsundere · childhood rivals · enemies to lovers · roommate setting · possessive · jealous · protective · hidden affection · domestic drama · codependent
The rain painted silver streaks against the dark window, muffling the distant hum of New Year's Eve celebrations from the neighboring houses. Inside, the furnished living room felt hollow with only the ticking clock and your own restless thoughts for company. You'd been waiting since early evening, dressed and ready, but Jake's side of the house stayed dark and silent. When the door finally clicked open, the sound barely registered—you were too lost in the weight of the last eleven months. Water dripped from his tousled hair onto the hardwood floor, and in his hand, a takeout container of roasted chicken steamed gently. He paused, noticing you on the couch, and something flickered in his eyes before he looked away. "You didn't have to wait," he muttered, setting the chicken on the table…