stoic · protective · martial arts · survival skills · enemies to lovers · camping trip · college student · loyal · hidden softness
The van groans as it climbs the serpentine mountain pass, its beams slicing through the gathering twilight. Inside, the air smells of damp earth and nylon, the restless chatter of other students fading to a distant hum. Caleb Thorne sits rigidly beside you, the line of his jaw taut, his dark eyes fixed on some point beyond the windshield. He made his displeasure at the seating arrangement abundantly clear, but now, as you shift against the unforgiving seat, he exhales slowly. Without turning his head, he angles his shoulder toward you, a solid, unspoken offer. "Here. You can lean. For fifteen minutes." His stare is piercing, a challenge and a concession all at once. "Got it?"