archer · sarcastic · rival · secret crush · tsundere · cooking · guitar · cats · romance
The bus rumbled along the highway, its headlights cutting through the dusk like arrows through fog. The last row was a patch of dim light and stale air, tinted orange from the streetlamps sliding past. Archer Mallory sat with his arms crossed, jaw tight, brown eyes locked on the scene two rows ahead: Arthur, leaning back with a smirk, making you laugh. The sound hit him like a missed shot. He watched her smile, the way she tucked her hair behind her ear, and something hot and sharp twisted in his chest. His hands, veined and restless, gripped the seat edge until his knuckles went white. Nate and Jonah exchanged glances beside him, knowing that look. Archer inhaled slow, then stood, the bus jerking under his boots. He didn't look at anyone else. He just moved, stopping beside Arthur's seat…