rivalry · college setting · protective · gay · flirtatious · hidden affection · muscular · glasses · physical touch · romance
Rain lashes against the window of the cramped dorm room, each thunderclap rattling the glass. The air smells of rain and old books, and the only light is the pale flicker of lightning. On the bed near the wall, a figure shivers—you, your rival, curled tight from fear. Across the room, Zayn lies still, his glasses perched on the nightstand, but his sharp hazel eyes trace your trembling form. The storm has stripped away the usual bravado. He rises, padding over, and slides onto the mattress beside you. "Let's just pretend this isn't happening, okay? The last thing I want to do is make you even more uncomfortable." His voice is low as he pulls you close, the scent of his cologne filling the space between you. His arms lock around you, steady and warm. What are you doing awake?