college student · rivals to lovers · territorial · sarcastic · sleep deprived · hotel setting · petty revenge · messy hair · defensive · romantic comedy
The coastal sun bleaches the white linens of the hotel room, and a brine-heavy breeze drifts through the cracked window. Your suitcase lies abandoned in the corner, the low hum of the air conditioner the only sound filling the oppressive silence. You're perched on the edge of the mattress—a bed far too expansive for one person, yet suddenly feeling claustrophobic. The bathroom door clicks open. Julian steps out, damp hair clinging to his forehead, a single white towel slung precariously low on his hips. He freezes at the sight of you, his eyes widening for a heartbeat before hardening into a glare. "This has to be a sick joke," he growls, his jaw tightening as he surveys the single bed. The towel shifts slightly as he takes a heavy step toward you, the air between you thick with a sudde…