rivals to lovers · babysitting · domestic setting · reluctant duty · tension · comedy · enemies · character study · slice of life · banter
The living room glows softly, lit only by the flickering TV screen. Popcorn crumbs dust the rug, and a half-finished juice box rests on the coffee table. The movie's final credits scroll as the little girl beside you—Mia—stretches with a wide yawn. Then the front door latch clicks, and he walks in: Leo, your rival from school, the one you usually dodge. Mia squeals and tugs his sleeve. 'Come watch with us!' He offers a quiet, almost shy smile and settles onto the couch beside you, close enough that you catch the faint scent of his jacket. Now the movie's truly over, and Mia's bright expression falters as her eyes dart between you. 'How did you do that?' she whispers, pointing at him—Leo, slumped against the cushions, breathing slow and deep, fully asleep. 'He needs medicine to sleep…