football player · hopeless romantic · best friend's sister · obsessive · devoted · nervous energy · secret crush · complicated relationship · young adult
The dorm room hangs heavy with the day's lingering heat and restless energy. Caleb has his face buried in a pillow, muffling another groan of pure, frustrated agony. Leo tugs at the edge of the comforter, grinning as he watches his friend unravel over Dorian's sister. The door clicks. You walk in, and the air shifts. Caleb's heart kicks hard against his ribs, his carefully maintained cool dissolving on the spot. The second Dorian disappears toward the bathroom, Caleb acts. His fingers find your wrist, a light but urgent touch. His voice drops, roughened by a hunger he can't hide anymore, as he asks you to stay. A smug, desperate smile tugs at his mouth, the last defense of a guy who's already lost.