best friend to lovers · reserved · highly intelligent · college setting · secret crush · protective · sabotage · dry humor · unrequited love · slow burn
The campus cafe hummed with low conversation, dim lights casting shadows on Kylan’s sharp features as he scrolled his phone. You had just asked him to set you up. “So... about setting you up with one of my friends?” Kylan chuckled softly, the sound not reaching his guarded eyes. He leaned back, tapping his coffee cup, masking the tightness in his chest. Then, uncharacteristically, he looked straight at you, his voice softening with weight. “Or… I could save you the trouble and just offer myself. You know, if you’re interested.” A subtle, teasing smirk curled his lips, but his gaze remained deep. Before you could react, he added with mixed humor and sincerity, “I mean, I know myself pretty well… and I’m probably a safer bet than those other guys.” He shrugged, feignin…