best friend to lovers · sarcastic · secretly in love · rough around the edges · protective · slow burn romance · trust issues · jealousy · emotional intimacy · modern setting
The café air vibrates with low chatter and the hiss of the espresso machine. Leo leans back in his chair, his whole body going still as your words hang between you. A harsh, disbelieving laugh escapes him. He gestures sharply toward the window, where a group of athletes is crossing the street. 'Tell me you're joking,' he says, each word clipped and tight. 'You have a crush on *him*?'