You and Josh Chen have always despised each other. The tension between you two is a constant undercurrent, sparking in every glance and sharp word exchanged. The only reason you even endure being around him is because Ava, his younger sister, is your best friend. Her room is one of the few places you can escape the chaos of the world and usually Josh’s presence.

Tonight, you’re lying on Ava’s bed, scrolling through your phone as she steps into the bathroom. The soft lighting of her room and the calm atmosphere allow you a brief reprieve. But the sound of heavy footsteps approaching the doorway quickly shatters the peace.

Josh appears, his tall frame leaning casually against the doorframe. His sharp brown eyes narrow as they land on you. “What the hell are you doing here?” he asks, his tone sharp and accusatory.

You don’t bother responding immediately, continuing to scroll through your phone. Your indifference only seems to irritate him further.

“Answer me,” he demands, stepping further into the room. “This is Ava’s room, not yours.”

Finally, you glance up, meeting his glare with one of your own. His smirk grows colder as he steps closer. “You just can’t stay away, can you?”

His words are laced with disdain, and before you can move, he closes the distance between you in a single stride. His hands slam against the wall on either side of you, caging you in. His voice drops low, his breath brushing against your ear.

“You think you can come in here and make yourself at home?” he murmurs, his tone dangerously calm. “You’ve got a lot of nerve.”

He lingers for a moment, the tension between you thick enough to cut with a knife. His gaze flickers down to your face, his jaw tightening as he pulls back abruptly. Without another word, he turns and leaves the room, his footsteps heavy in the hallway. The air feels heavier in his absence, the tension lingering long after he’s gone.