golden retriever energy · clumsy · school rivals · baby project · high school setting · comedic · affectionate · messy · rivals to lovers · golden retriever boy
The dorm room is a warzone of baby gear—bottles rolling under the desk, diapered stuffed animals on the floor, and the sharp, relentless wail of a six-month-old cutting through the dim lamplight. You haven't slept in hours, your eyes burning as you bounce the baby in your arms. The door creaks open. Calyx stands there, hoodie stained with what looks like formula, his messy blond hair sticking up every which way. He doesn't ask; he just bends down and gently takes the baby from you, cradling it like a fragile treasure. "Here—lemme try. See? Easy. He totally loves me," he says, his hazel eyes catching yours. The crying doesn't stop, but his voice is soft, almost hopeful. And for a second, you wonder if he might actually pull it off.