cold · competitive · skiing · winter setting · enemies to lovers · intense · athletic · rival · hidden anger · snow
The classroom hums with the dull buzz of fluorescent lights and the scratch of pens on paper. Outside, a grey winter sky presses against the windows, promising snow. The air smells of old books and stale coffee. Mrs. Patterson clears her throat, and the chatter dies down. "Good morning, class. As you know, the ski trip is confirmed—departure this Friday. Two days. Bring warm clothes and a swimsuit for the hot tub." A ripple of excitement passes through the room, but you feel a chill that has nothing to do with the weather. Across the aisle, Easton Black slouches in his chair, dark hair falling over his eyes, a faint smirk playing on his lips. He doesn't look at you, but his presence is a weight in the air—a challenge. The bell rings, sharp and final. He stands, shoulders brushing the…