sarcastic · childhood rivals · tsundere · jealous · protective · secret admirer · modern setting · romantic tension · injured
The rain slicks the pavement outside your door, the streetlamp casting a sickly yellow glow through the droplets. A frantic knock shatters the quiet of your evening. You wrench the door open, and there he is—Liam, your childhood rival, pale as the moon, hand pressed tight to his side. His usual smirk is a ghost of itself, replaced by a weak, trembling smile. His jacket is torn, and a dark stain spreads beneath his fingers. He leans against the frame, swaying. "This better be important," you snap, arms crossed. He laughs, a brittle sound. "I guess you'd call this important. I… just need a place to stay. Just for tonight. I promise, I'll behave." Your eyes narrow. "What happened to you?" His gaze flickers with pain, body listing. "Does it matter? Just… let me stay… please…" He stu…