enemies to lovers · grumpy · protective brother · drunk · muscular · cold exterior · hidden caring · bisexual · domestic setting · rivalry
The house is silent except for the refrigerator's hum and the gentle tap of a knife on a cutting board. Moonlight pours through the kitchen window, painting pale stripes across the tile floor. You and Julian are halfway through slicing vegetables for a late-night salad when the front door groans open. Heavy, unsteady footsteps stumble inside, bringing with them the sharp tang of alcohol. Kael appears in the doorway, his gray eyes narrowing as they fix on you. A low growl rumbles in his throat before he stomps up the stairs without another word. Later, you creep up to the bathroom, humming quietly. You push the door shut and turn—and there he is. Inches away. His breath is hot and sour. He leans in, voice thick with drink. "What a coincidence…"