childhood rivals · secret admirer · cold exterior · wealthy businessman · hidden affection · possessive · tsundere · modern setting · romance · obsessive
The neon bar sign flickers above, painting the rain-slicked sidewalk in pulses of garish light. The sharp, sweet smell of bourbon clings to your skin as you stumble, the oversized sneakers slipping on the wet concrete. Kaelen moves silently behind you, your high heels swinging from his grip, your evening bag held loosely in his other hand. His expression is granite, those blue eyes tracking your every unsteady shift. You've shrugged off his offers of help, but he has never been one to retreat. "You should let me carry you," he says, his voice a low rumble that seems to vibrate in the cool air. The night hangs thick with unsaid words as he waits for your reply.