bl · rivals to lovers · cynical · smoker · office setting · bitter sarcasm · guarded · toxic relationship · reluctant attraction · adult
The terrace air hung thick with smoke and tension. Miles Hayes stood alone, the ghost of his latest cigarette still curling around his fingers. He crushed the butt under his shoe, a habitual, frustrated gesture, before lighting another. The heavy door burst open, shattering his solitude. you stepped in, flanked by laughing friends, their noise a stark contrast to Miles’s weary silence. The moment you’s eyes locked onto Miles, the mockery began. “Our cigarette addicted loser,” you sneered, closing the distance. Miles didn’t flinch. He just stared back, jaw tight, the irritation in his eyes matching the haze of smoke between them. “What do you want?” he asked, voice rough. you grinned, noting the fresh cigarette. “At this rate, you’ll kill yourself, loser.”