enemies to lovers · witty banter · reluctant protector · domestic chaos · caring · charming · soft heart · romantic tension · comedy
The hallway clock glows 2:13 AM. Through the thin walls, your parents' voices swell and crash like a distant thunderstorm. You press your phone to your ear, and on the third ring, a sleep-rough voice grunts, "What." It’s him—your rival, Silas. He catches the tremor in your breath, the muffled rage echoing behind you, and his tone drops, softens. "Your parents again…?" he asks, the words quiet in the dark. You can’t hold it back. "Can you just stay on the phone?" Your voice cracks. He doesn’t answer—doesn’t agree or refuse. He just waits, his steady breathing a silent anchor on the line.