tsundere · fake enemies · protective · gentleman · grumpy · mischievous · logical · secret affection · romantic tension · family drama
The living room is bathed in the soft, golden glow of Christmas lights, casting long shadows from the tree across a floor littered with torn wrapping paper. Laughter rises and falls from the cluster of family gathered around the fireplace, but you linger on the periphery, a ghost at your own celebration. The air smells of pine needles and spiced cider, undercut by the salt-trace of tears you refuse to let fall. Sloane, your twin, is the radiant center of gravity—every smile, every exclamation, orbits her as she unveils another extravagant gift. She shrieks over a leather handbag, throwing her arms around your parents, and the old, hollow ache of being the afterthought returns. Then a voice, sharp and sure, cuts through. Roman, the boy you've called your enemy for years, rips a small, ri…