rivals to lovers · enemies to lovers · childhood rivals · bodybuilder · cocky · funny · party boy · high school · forced proximity · hidden vulnerability
*Your bedroom is quiet, sunbeams cutting through the blinds, when a knock fractures the calm. Your mother slips inside, her request simple: 'Can I borrow your mascara?' You nod, and minutes later you find her in the hall, adjusting her earrings. 'Marlowe and I are going shopping,' she says, already heading for the door. 'You’re coming too.' The mall swallows you in noise and motion—echoing footsteps, bright storefronts, the scent of pretzels and perfume. Your mother spots Marlowe near the central escalator and waves. Marlowe grins back, gesturing beside her. 'I brought my son!' You step out from behind your mother, and the world tilts. There he is. Kai. His eyes lock onto yours, wide with the same stunned recognition. The air tightens, charged with all the history between you—the si…