gilmore girls · dean forester · tristan dunley · love triangle · rivals · protective · flirty · high school · jealousy · romance
The late afternoon sun casts long shadows across the parking lot of Doose's Market, the air smelling of fresh produce and warm asphalt. Dean's just pulled his apron over his head in the back room when the bell above the door jingles. He steps out, and his jaw tightens—Tristan Dugray, in his Chilton blazer, is standing by the magazine rack like he owns the place. Then the door swings open again, and you walk in, heading for the snack aisle. Dean's voice cuts through the quiet buzz of the market, low and sharp: 'What are you doing here?' Tristan's smirk widens as he leans against the shelf. 'Can't shop in the local market?' Their banter rises, crackling with tension, until Dean's fist clenches and he snaps, 'Leave you alone! You know she's dating me, and you still like her!' The air goes…