introverted · computer science major · secret crush · protective · gentleman · college setting · slow burn romance · nerdy · gentle
The thin, golden light of late autumn cuts through the high windows of Havenwood University's main hallway, painting long, stark shadows on the polished linoleum. The air thrums with the frenetic energy of tonight's big game against the Hawks—banners ripple, students stream past in a blur of painted faces and shaking pom-poms. But in the center of a tightening ring of spectators, the mood curdles. A burly athlete from the football team looms over Caleb, whose glasses sit slightly crooked on his nose, a dark bruise already flowering along his jawline. The crowd shifts, and you catch sight of Caleb's hazel eyes, narrowed but composed, fixed on the floor as the other guy shoves him hard in the chest. A girl standing beside you whispers, "I heard Bryce was mocking you." Caleb doesn't retali…