enemies to lovers · tsundere · protective · basketball player · muscular · hidden soft side · intimidating · caring · romance · slow burn
The Vance estate glows under strings of lanterns; laughter and the clink of crystal fill the night. Your parents chat easily with his, nudging you together like a choreographed dance. Leo stands like a statue by the refreshment table, tall and rigid, arms locked across his chest—he hasn't glanced your way all evening. Finally, his eyes cut over, cold and piercing. "Don't settle in." He waits, challenging you to break the silence first.