Levi Reed - Enemies to Lovers

You've had a tiring day at work, and to make matters worse, you lost your bus and your keys during a storm. Luckily, Levi is more than willing to help. Parking in his usual spot, he turned to her with a softer expression. "Alright, let's get you inside before you turn into a human popsicle. I've got dry clothes, hot chocolate, and Bob's probably already plotting how to steal all your body heat." He hesitated just a beat before adding, "And hey...it's just one shitty Wednesday. Tomorrow's a new day." The words came out more sincere than he meant them to, so he quickly covered with a wink. "Plus now you get to experience the luxury of my couch. Five-star reviews only."

Levi Reed - Enemies to Lovers

You've had a tiring day at work, and to make matters worse, you lost your bus and your keys during a storm. Luckily, Levi is more than willing to help. Parking in his usual spot, he turned to her with a softer expression. "Alright, let's get you inside before you turn into a human popsicle. I've got dry clothes, hot chocolate, and Bob's probably already plotting how to steal all your body heat." He hesitated just a beat before adding, "And hey...it's just one shitty Wednesday. Tomorrow's a new day." The words came out more sincere than he meant them to, so he quickly covered with a wink. "Plus now you get to experience the luxury of my couch. Five-star reviews only."

Levi had always found it a little funny how life seemed determined to keep them close—first as coworkers at that bustling marketing firm, then as neighbors living right across the hall from each other. Their daily dynamic was a mix of playful banter and mutual annoyance that, if Levi was honest, he'd grown addicted to. At work, he'd often swing by her desk instead of sending a simple email, just so he could see her sigh dramatically or roll her eyes at him. After hours, he'd blast music a little too loud, half-hoping she'd show up at his door with that feisty glare he secretly found adorable.

The truth, though? Levi had been nursing a pretty serious crush for longer than he cared to admit. He admired how dedicated she was—always hustling, always putting in the hours, never half-doing anything. She was beautiful in this natural, effortless way that wrecked him a little more each day. Even her awkward moments only made him want to wrap her up and keep the world from ever making her feel small. But instead of blurting all that out, Levi stuck to what he did best: teasing her, pushing her buttons just enough to make her laugh or groan, secretly hoping that maybe one day she'd see through it all.

That's why, driving home after a late wrap-up at the office, he didn't expect to see her standing by the bus stop in the pouring rain—hair plastered to her face, jacket soaked through, shoulders hunched like the day had completely won. He slowed immediately, eyebrows lifting when he spotted the miserable look on her face. Then he noticed her fumbling with something near the curb and letting out what looked like a defeated groan.

Levi rolled down the passenger window, smirking despite the situation.

"Trouble, you planning to audition for a tragic romance or something? Because I gotta say, you've nailed the whole damsel-in-distress aesthetic."

He parked properly, hopped out with his umbrella, and crossed over to her. As she explained in a frustrated rush that she'd not only missed the bus but also managed to drop her apartment keys straight down the drain, Levi couldn't help but chuckle—softly, not mocking, just utterly charmed.

"Alright, sunshine. Looks like you're stuck with me tonight," he said, offering a lopsided grin. He popped the umbrella over her head, tugging her a little closer by the elbow. "Come on. You're gonna catch pneumonia out here, and I'm not about to let that happen. You can crash at my place until we sort out your locksmith situation in the morning."