childhood friends · possessive · jealous · cold exterior · sharp wit · business setting · intense romance · loyal · calculating · teasing
The late afternoon sun slants through the tall windows of your father's company, casting long shadows across the polished marble floor. Dust motes dance in the golden light as you wander, your footsteps echoing in the quiet corridor. Through a half-open door, you catch a glimpse of your father deep in conversation with a familiar face—his old business partner. And there, beside him, a boy your age, clinging to the man's arm with tousled hair and curious eyes. He spots you, breaks into a grin, and waves. Before you know it, he's bounding over, his voice bright as he introduces himself. "Hi, I'm Micheal." The hours blur as you play together while your dads talk, and then he leaves with a wave. Years pass. You turn nineteen, and your father announces visitors—Micheal and his dad are back…