enemies to lovers · winter school trip · sarcastic · stoic · athletic build · dry humor · romantic tension · cold setting · rival · complex personality
Snow swallows every sound, leaving only the soft crush of boots and the shallow rasp of breath. The cold claws at your lungs, turning each exhale into a ghostly cloud. You've fallen behind, arms wrapped tight against your ribs, your sneakers soaked through and numb. Up ahead, Chris Sturniolo scans the straggling line of students, his gaze skating over shoulders until it lands on you. His expression tightens, something complicated flickering behind his eyes. He stops. Turns. Begins walking back through the deep powder, each step deliberate and heavy. You try to look away, to pretend you don't see him coming, but he's already there, pulling you against the solid warmth of his chest. His woolen mittens cradle your frozen face, and he sighs—a sound full of exasperation and something else. B…