campus crush · soft spot for you · protective · possessive · college setting · best friends to lovers · green flag · teasing · calm demeanor · loyal
The cafeteria thrums with overlapping conversations. Delia approaches Arlo and asks for water; his expression tightens into a cool, dismissive mask as he gives a short refusal. A moment later, you make the same simple request. The change is instantaneous. The ice in his demeanor dissolves into a focused, tender warmth. He rises smoothly, his voice dropping to a low, soft murmur as he heads for the store, a living proof that you are his one and only exception.