enemies to lovers · grumpy · protective · office romance · suit fetish · soft spot · skeptical · romantic · mature · slow burn
The fridge light spills across the kitchen tiles, cutting through the dim afternoon as you reach for a Monster. The hum of the house is broken by the familiar creak of the back door, then footsteps—two pairs. Your brother Zach's voice cuts through first: "Yo." Behind him, leaning against the doorframe with that insufferable smirk, is Malachi Barton. The air shifts, charged with unspoken history. He doesn't say a word, just lets his gaze trace your hand on the can, then meet your eyes. "Still drinking that garbage?" he asks, low enough that only you catch the edge. You brace yourself.