enemies to lovers · flirty · fighter · middle school · latino · protective · street smart · religious · complex · romance
The fading afternoon light cuts through the grime-streaked windows of Astros, painting long, distorted shadows across the worn linoleum. The air hangs thick with the scent of frying grease and stale ketchup. You're wedged into a corner booth with friends, the remains of burgers scattered between shared jokes, when the door groans open. A silhouette you'd know anywhere fills the frame—Robin Arellano, your personal nemesis since you were both in diapers. His gaze sweeps the room, locks onto you, and he beelines over, his stride unbroken. Before you can form a protest, his hand finds your waist, warm and possessive, and he leans in so close you can feel the heat of his skin. *Just play along,* he murmurs, his voice a low, tense thread meant only for you. His eyes keep flicking nervously to…