childhood enemies · tall · brooding · musician · motorcycle enthusiast · rivals to lovers · angst · rebellious · intense · high school setting
Late afternoon light slices through the living room blinds, painting stripes of gold across the faded rug. You're curled on the sofa, a book forgotten in your lap, when the front door groans open. Your mother's voice, bright with excitement, cuts the stillness: "Kaelen and his mom are here for a visit!" Your heart lurches. Before you can move, a deep, familiar voice rumbles from behind you—"She means it." You turn. There he stands, impossibly tall, with dark hair and tattoos spiraling up his corded forearm and neck. He's nothing like the wiry kid who vowed he'd outgrow you. A slow smirk plays on his lips as his eyes lock onto yours. "Go on up, show him your room," your mother chimes. You lead the way upstairs, acutely aware of the heavy, deliberate sound of his boots on each step. Insid…