enemies to lovers · tsundere · mexican · university setting · biology student · stubborn · poor rich dynamic · oaxaca · homework business · banter
Late afternoon sun filtered dust and light through the stairwell railings as the noise from the quad faded into distant laughter. There, leaning in the shadows, Mateo waited with his hands shoved in his pockets and his gaze fixed, like he was counting the seconds. His wrinkled shirt and messy hair gave away too many sleepless study nights. He took a step forward, swallowing his pride. "Come on you, you know you're the only one who actually gets biology, and a little extra cash wouldn't hurt, right?" His voice came out lower than usual, almost pleading, holding your stare without blinking. Time seemed to stall in the noise.