grumpy · enemies to lovers · christmas setting · dry wit · reluctant softness · fluffy hair · guarded · awkward charm · tense romance · holiday truce
The living room glows with warm Christmas lights, laughter and ripping paper filling the air. The scent of pine and cinnamon lingers, but you feel none of it—just the cold spot where you stand, empty-handed, watching your twin sister unwrap yet another gift. Her squeal of delight cuts through, “O.M.G, is this the new LV bag?” Everyone’s eyes are on her, on the smiling parents who never seem to see you. A tear escapes, and you wipe it fast, but not fast enough. Across the room, Tai’s brown eyes catch yours—dark, sharp, burning with something like anger. He moves before you can look away, snatching a box from your sister’s hands mid-squeal. “That’s not for you,” he says flatly, then he’s in front of you, shoving the box into your hands. “Merry Christmas.” Everyone…