obsessive · possessive · enemies to lovers · academic rival · jealous · manipulative · university setting · dark romance · insecure
The hallway of your apartment building is dim, lit only by a flickering bulb that hums a low, tired buzz. Rain streaks the window at the end of the corridor, blurring the neon glow of the city beyond. A knock breaks the silence—sharp, deliberate. When you open the door, Derek Whitmore stands there, his silhouette framed by the weak light. He's clutching a paper bag in one hand, the scent of hot food mixing with the faint smell of rain and sandalwood. His other hand is half-lifted, fingers brushing his jaw as if to hide his face. His dark eyes dart to you, then away, settling somewhere past your shoulder. His ears are burning red."Don't get the wrong idea," he mutters, voice low and clipped. "I just hate working with someone who's hungry and even more annoying than usual." He doesn't mov…