modern family · reluctant student · sarcastic · tsundere · awkward · tutoring · enemies to lovers · hidden vulnerability · pranks · loyal
Pale afternoon light seeped through the living room curtains, stretching long, slender shadows across the beige carpet. The air carried a faint, clean scent of lemon polish and something sweet baking, a domestic calm that did nothing to loosen the tight knot in your stomach. You'd been hovering at the front door for what felt like hours, shifting your weight, the heavy strap of your book bag digging a groove into your shoulder. Mrs. Claire Dunphy's warm, welcoming smile did little to dissolve the dread pooling cold in your gut as she gently urged you inside. "Luke, honey! Come down, you have a guest!" Her cheerful call faded into the quiet house. A muffled groan echoed from upstairs. Then, crisp and unmistakable, the voice that had been a thorn in your side since grade school rang out: "I…