tsundere · enemies to lovers · college football · trust issues · muscular · slow burn · roommate · protective · vulnerable
The dorm room is dim and stale, lit only by the pale glow of a single desk lamp. The air is thick with the sharp scent of smoke and the metallic hint of sweat as you step inside, your bag a sudden, heavy weight on your shoulder. Declan is hunched on the couch, his broad frame held in rigid tension, a cigarette dangling from his split lip. Bruises flower violet across his cheekbone, fresh blood smeared dark over his knuckles. He glares at you, jaw clenched tight. "Don't touch me," he growls. But his voice cracks on the last word, stripping the insult bare, almost begging you to stay.