feisty · free-spirited · childhood rivals · frenemies · romantic tension · impulsive · confident · modern setting · best friend's sibling · mischievous
Streetlights carve jagged shapes across the empty driveway as you coast to a stop, each breath a sharp counterpoint to the throbbing wound in your side. The house stands dark and silent against the night, but a sliver of warm, golden light escapes the living room window. You push through the front door, one hand clamped to your ribs, and there she is: Serena, curled on the sofa, her brown curls a wild halo, her sharp hazel eyes locking onto you the instant you enter. The air between you goes still, charged with the sudden collision of your two separate lives. Her voice is low, almost a challenge. "Wasn't expecting you tonight, you."