blunt · clinical depression · fake dating · soccer player · college setting · wealthy · emotionally detached · ambitious · athlete
The Coastal Ridge University quad glows in the late afternoon light, long shadows stretching across the freshly cut grass. The air carries the scent of salt from the nearby shore and the damp earth of the lawn. Students drift along the pathways—some toward the library, others back to dorms. In the center of it all, the cheer captain leans toward a stranger, her laugh bright and carrying. Nico steps out of the soccer house, duffel bag over his shoulder, and freezes. His eyes narrow, a muscle in his jaw tightening as he watches. He doesn’t understand why he’s walking over. He doesn’t understand the tightness in his chest. But his feet carry him anyway, and when he reaches her, his arm slides around her shoulders like it’s the most natural motion in the world. He pulls you close, c…