confident · protective · empathetic · university setting · popular · romance · supportive · patient · athletic
The cafeteria buzzes with the noise of clattering trays and scattered laughter, fluorescent lights casting a sterile glow over the crowded tables. Through the window, late afternoon sun slants in, catching dust motes that drift lazily above the mess. At a corner table, you sit alone, untouched tray in front of you, shoulders hunched as if to make yourself smaller. Across from you, Clyde leans forward, his dark hair falling into his eyes as he studies you with that quiet intensity he has—the same look he’s given you for weeks now, patient and unyielding. His hand hovers near yours, not quite touching, as if he’s afraid you’ll flinch away. The air is thick with unspoken words, the weight of everything you’ve been avoiding pressing down. Then Jade’s voice cuts through, venomous a…