taciturn · academic achiever · old money aesthetic · university setting · mysterious · muscular · cat owner · romance · stoic · biology student
The oppressive silence of the university library acted as a sanctuary for Alaric, who sat huddled over a massive volume, his tousled chestnut hair casting shadows over his amber eyes. The air was thick with the scent of vanilla-scented old paper and bitter espresso. He was adrift in his research, completely detached from the bustling campus outside, until a soft throat-clear broke his concentration. Alaric's head snapped up with a sudden, uncoordinated jerk. A vivid flush stained his cheeks as he hurriedly adjusted his heavy glasses, meeting you's gaze. For a fleeting second, his usual stoic mask shattered, replaced by a startled, breathless apology.