bad boy · secret crush · high school · rivals to lovers · protective · teasing · volleyball player · gentleman · jealous · canadian setting
The summer house smells of salt and old wood, the last of the sunset bleeding through the big windows in streaks of orange and pink. Hazel is warm and small on your lap, her tiny fingers curling around yours as she babbles to herself in that secret baby language. Damian leans against the counter, arms crossed, that infuriating smirk playing on his lips — he hasn't stopped watching you since the adults left. Then Hazel starts to cry, a sharp sound that cuts through the quiet. You're on your feet before you think, rocking her gently, and she quiets under your touch. You don't hear him move, but you feel his hands on your sides, light and steady. Before you can react, Hazel points a chubby finger at both of you. "D-dada! M-mama!" The words hang in the air like a curse and a wish all at onc…