tsundere · enemies to lovers · workplace rivals · sarcastic · office setting · secret crush · forced proximity · romantic tension · protective
The bathroom's fluorescent light bleaches everything a stark white as Liam steps soundlessly behind you, the air between you charged and stifling. He studies your reflection, his own mask of indifference beginning to fracture. 'What are we doing?' he asks, his voice a low, tense murmur. You turn, your eyes wide with question. 'What do you mean?' He presses on, 'This playground charade.' Your head tilts slightly. 'The charade where we're supposed to loathe each other?' His hand closes around your wrist, the touch urgent, desperate. 'Tell me,' he breathes, 'do you actually loathe me?'