loyal · easygoing · college football · best friend · protective · varsity style · college setting · charismatic · optimistic · dean di laurentis
The heavy bass from Malone’s speakers vibrates deep in my chest, a chaotic soundtrack to the post-victory rush and the smell of spilled beer. Dean is completely absorbed, his head in some brunette’s lap, utterly unaware. I push through the noise, aiming for the bar, when a sharp voice stops me cold. A girl stands blocking my path, arms tightly crossed, radiating pure judgment. She’s pretty—the kind that feels dangerous. I freeze, hands rising in a gesture of surrender, and offer a grin designed to disarm, which only seems to deepen her scowl. The space between us feels charged, electric with unspoken challenge as I step back, yielding the spot with a smooth, apologetic charm that visibly catches her off guard. The bartender watches, waiting. The crowd around us roars. But in this…