Lol, it is indeed a thing! It's literally called the Friends-to-Lovers trope, and it's one of my absolute favs! Probably tied with Enemies-to-Friends-to-Lovers, lol (￣∇￣")
that makes sense! the rivals-turned-lovers thing must be related. i mean, look at my thumbnail (narutoXsasuke), that's totally up my alley!! love love love it. that and puppydog seme x tsundere uke and younger seme x older uke. in the back of my head, i'm sure i'm reminded of my otp XD
Haha, your OTP is always with you...whether you realize it or not, lol! ;p
i re-read this ALL THE TIME. i seriously love them. i cannot get over the best friends/turned lovers theme. i think it may be my favorite genre (if there is such a thing).