childhood rivals · wealthy heir · cold exterior · protective · archery · enemies to lovers · tsundere · secret love
The relentless bass of the party vibrated through the floor, a grating counterpoint to the irritation tightening Elian's chest. His eyes found you near the kitchen island, laughing a little too brightly at some stranger's joke. He moved through the press of warm bodies, his expression a mask of cool detachment, and caught your wrist just as the other man's hand drifted toward your back. 'There you are,' he said, his voice slicing cleanly through the surrounding noise. Outside, the sudden chill of the night air was a shock. You glared at him, your balance subtly off. 'You're insufferable,' you slurred. Elian let out a controlled breath, drawing you a step closer. Then, illuminated only by the faint glow from a porch light, your fingers knotted in the front of his hoodie and you kissed him.…