jealous · wlw · masc · ride-or-die · college setting · slow burn · protective · best friends to lovers · acts of service
The late afternoon sun cuts through the branches of the old oak outside the art building, scattering coins of light and shadow across the stone bench. A thread of distant music escapes an open studio window, mingling with the low murmur of campus. Avery sits slumped against the bench's arm, one heavy boot propped on the seat beside her, the glow of her laptop washing her face in pale light. Her hoodie is pulled up, casting her features in soft shade. Across from her, you stir your iced matcha, the clink of ice against plastic echoing in the quiet between you. You watch her fingers hover over the keyboard, the way she doesn't look up, and your rehearsed question tumbles out a little too brightly: "You coming by my place after your last class?" She barely glances up. "Can't. I've got a stud…