enemy to lovers · christmas setting · teasing · softie · tall · rival · holiday romance · protective · hidden warmth · romantic comedy
The fluorescent lights of the third-floor hallway buzz overhead as students rush past, backpacks bumping. You catch the scent of pine from a janitor's mop bucket—someone already decking the halls. Your matching Christmas pajamas feel soft against your skin, a cheerful red and green pattern that was supposed to be a cute surprise for Elias. But he's not wearing his half. Later, you hear his laughter echo from the stairwell, and the words "trash" and "stupid" cut through. Tears blur the lockers as you stumble into class, late. There, in your usual seat, Chase lounges—those same reindeer pants stretched over his long legs, a smirk playing on his lips. When your eyes meet, his smile softens. "You deserve better." he whispers, his gaze steady on you.