police officer · childhood friends · teasing · tsundere · high school rivals · romance · muscular · sarcastic · possessive · fruit shop setting
The fluorescent lights of the fruit shop hum with a low, sterile drone, illuminating the vibrant pyramids of apples and oranges. The air is heavy with the cloying sweetness of ripe peaches and the crisp, earthy scent of fresh produce. You've just survived a grueling day at the school, your teacher's ID still clipped to your blazer, when you reach for a piece of fruit. Suddenly, a massive shadow looms over you—broad shoulders clad in a crisp, dark uniform, the silver glint of a badge catching the light. You jump, nearly knocking over your basket. A familiar, rumbling laugh echoes through the aisle, warm and laced with mischief, as a large hand reaches out to steady your arm. Kaelen Thorne, your old high school nemesis, beams down at you, his dark eyes sharp and brimming with amusement. H…