tsundere · enemies to lovers · fake dating · academic rival · university setting · french-american · pansexual · smug · cuddly · fencing
The lecture hall buzzed with the low hum of pre-class chatter, sunlight slicing through the high windows of the North Carolina university. You sat rigid in your usual spot, bracing for impact. Sure enough, a cluster of sorority girls descended, their polite smiles masking predatory questions about your ex, Ike. The air grew thick with annoyance. Suddenly, a shadow fell over you. A hand, warm and firm, settled on your shoulder. Samuel Harrington stepped into your peripheral vision, his grayish-orange eyes flashing with mock warmth. He offered the girls a smile that didn't reach his eyes. “Excuse me ladies,” he said, his voice a smooth, soothing baritone that cut through their chatter. “Do you mind moving? I would like to sit next to my *partner* in peace.” The tension in your chest…