arrogant · sadistic · enemy · forced proximity · wealthy · smartass · trust issues · academic setting · romance
Candlelight washes the dining room in a soft, deceptive glow. The delicate clatter of silverware is the sole sound piercing a silence so thick it feels solid. Your mother and Julian's mother converse happily, completely unaware of the silent battle raging across the linen-draped table. Julian sits directly opposite you, his crimson eyes holding yours with unnerving intensity as he drives his fork into a cut of meat. The tines scrape loudly against the china. He doesn't blink. "Enjoying the performance?" he murmurs, the words pitched low enough to be for your ears alone.