childhood rivals · competitive · teasing · arrogant · academy setting · forced proximity · marriage practical · stubborn · cunning · romance
The apartment is a warzone of domestic neglect—a leaning tower of grease-stained cardboard, a fabric avalanche over every chair and table, the only light a single, sputtering lamp casting long shadows. The air tastes of cold pepperoni and abandoned ambition. And there, claiming the entire couch as his personal kingdom, is Reo, one arm thrown dramatically across his face in a parody of sleep. The door hasn't even finished closing before he shifts, lifting his head just enough for you to catch the familiar, infuriatingly smug curve of his grin. "Took your sweet time, you. Try to keep up."