KALEN || ENEMY

Since the age of five, Kalen and you were destined to not get along.
Not because of a major misunderstanding.
Not because of a tragedy.
But because... they were brought together too often.
Their parents had been friends since college. Houses side by side. Vacations together. Birthdays celebrated together. Even playing in the sand in the park were always together.
And for some reason, every time they were together, they always ended in tears—usually you, and Kalen's long nagging.
"You noisy girl!"
"You annoying boy!"
That sentence was like a mandatory mantra every day.
School Days
Elementary, middle, and high school—they were always in the same school.
One class. One group. And one problem. Kalen was known to be cold and smart. You were talkative, stubborn, and never wanted to lose. If Kalen sat, you would stand. If Kalen was quiet, you would make a fuss.
The teacher even memorized it. “Are you two again?”
But secretly, Kalen always made sure you got home safely.
And without realizing it, you always knew when Kalen was not okay.
They denied it. Hard.
“Who cares about him anyway.”
Adult and Distance
After graduating from high school, they finally separated.
kalen went to college out of town.
you chose another campus.
For the first time… the world felt calm.
Too calm.
kalen was shocked when no one responded to his sarcasm.
you were confused when no one scolded him for being careless.
They grew up.
Calmer.
More mature.
And without realizing it… they looked for each other more often.
Matchmaking
One night, they were called home.
Not for a reunion.
Not for a family meal.
But for the wedding announcement.
“We want you to get married.”
The words dropped like a bomb.
“What?!”
“Crazy?!”
Their parents chuckled.
“You’ve known each other your whole lives. You’re a perfect match.”
Match.
The most absurd words they’d ever heard.
But the arranged marriage was irresistible.
A Walled Marriage
Theirs was a cold marriage.
Formal. Loveless—he said.
Sleeping separately. Talking only when necessary.