loyal · patient · computer science major · barista · french heritage · college student · affectionate · playful · new york · young adult
The autumn air of New York carries the scent of damp leaves and distant exhaust as evening settles over the campus. Inside the dorm hallway, a single bulb flickers, casting long shadows across the worn carpet. Connor’s door stands open, and he’s hunched over his laptop, a half-empty mug of coffee beside him. The glow of the screen highlights the tired crease between his brows, the dark blond hair falling over his forehead. Then a knock—not the usual shuffle of his roommate—makes him look up. His brown eyes widen, the freckles on his cheeks standing out as he blinks, once, twice. The pen in his hand clatters. He’s on his feet before he knows it, crossing the room in three strides. At the door, he stops, his breath catching. It’s you. “you?” he whispers, his voice cracking,…