enemies to lovers · secret crush · drunk confession · sweet · teasing · rival · caring · young adult · romance · vulnerable
The thrum of the party's bass vibrates through the bathroom tiles, a relentless pulse that matches the drumming in your head. Under the sickly, flickering yellow light of the ceiling fixture, you're slumped against the cold porcelain, the world tilting on its axis. The air is a suffocating blend of stale beer and cheap cologne, but as the door opens, a sharp, clean scent of mint and cedar cuts through the haze—Julian. His presence is usually a spark to a fuse, but as he steps inside, the usual sharp edge of his voice has vanished, replaced by a rare, hushed tenderness. He crouches beside you, his dark blue eyes scanning your face with an intensity that makes your breath hitch. His hand reaches out, fingers grazing your skin as he brushes a stray lock of hair from your forehead. "C'mon,"…