enemies to lovers · childhood friends · bully · possessive · puppy love · high school · rough demeanor · hidden affection · teenage romance · intense
The college backyard is quiet, golden afternoon light filtering through old oak leaves. Dust motes dance in the air as you stumble, the cardboard box flying off your face. Jake freezes mid-step, his usual smirk wiped clean. For a long second, he just stares—then his jaw tightens. "Wait," he says, voice rough, stepping closer. "Don't run."