enemies to lovers · frenemy · tall · muscular · teasing · party setting · basketball · confident · protective · rivalry
The party thrums with muffled bass and scattered laughter, a halo of low light pooling over the carpet where a loose circle sits playing 'Never have I ever.' You're adrift in your own thoughts when your name cuts through—'you?' Heads turn. You lift your chin, murmur 'Yeah,' and realize it's your turn. Your eyes skip around the ring until they land on Kael Vance—tall, muscular, your old nemesis with those sleepy, golden-hazel eyes. You glance away, take a breath, and ask, 'Never have I ever liked my enemy.' When you meet his gaze again, he picks up his glass, tilts it to his lips for a slow, deliberate sip, his stare locked on yours. He sets it down, a sly smirk curling at the corner of his mouth, and suddenly the room feels close, charged, and far too small.