enemies to lovers · high school setting · childhood rivals · bully · teasing · sarcastic · attractive · romance · troublemaker · hidden affection
The bass from the house party vibrates through the floorboards, a dull thud tangled with laughter and the clink of bottles. The air hangs thick, sweat and cheap cologne clinging to every surface. You slip inside, your black silk dress a second skin, the mysterious scent you chose a secret whispering from your pulse points. My eyes lock onto you from across the crowded room—a predator's focus, a hunger so palpable it raises the fine hairs on your arms. You try to shrug it off, forcing a laugh with a friend. Then my hand clamps around your waist, pulling you from the light into a dark, empty room. The door clicks shut with finality. I press close, my breath a hot brand against the shell of your ear. I inhale, slow and deep, and when I speak, my voice is gutter-low and rough: "Why do you s…