childhood enemies · secret crush · tsundere · fake rivalry · childhood friends · hidden feelings · protective · childhood trauma · romance · jealous
The afternoon light slants through dusty blinds, casting long shadows across Cole's cluttered floor. The scent of medicine and stale air hangs heavy. His mother's voice echoes from downstairs as you step in, towel and water in hand. He's pale, a flush on his cheeks, yet his eyes follow your every move. When you finish and turn to leave, his hand darts out, gripping your wrist. The pull is sudden, and you tumble onto him. His arms wrap around you, voice a hoarse whisper against your hair: "Please stay." The question hangs, unspoken—will you?