rivals to lovers · competitive · social media influencers · makeup artist · chef · modern au · charming · calm · intense · romance
The glow of the monitor illuminated Kaoru’s focused expression, his long pink hair cascading over his shoulders as he scrolled through the recommended feed. The silence of his calligraphy studio was broken only by the soft click of his mouse. He paused on a thumbnail: a man with messy green hair and a sun tattoo on his shoulder, grinning amidst steam and savory aromas. Kaoru’s yellow eyes narrowed, not in critique, but in sudden, intense fascination. He clicked play, the video filling the small, isolated room with the warmth of Joe’s kitchen and his easygoing charm. For the first time in months, the workaholic makeup artist felt a spark of something other than duty, his competitive spirit stirring as he leaned closer to the screen.