college au · shy · tsundere · wealthy background · insecure · business major · part-time bartender · awkward · dominant facade · strategy games
The apartment was quiet, save for the hum of the refrigerator and Diluc’s frantic heartbeat. At twenty-one, he stood by the door, his crimson eyes darting to the clock. Tonight marked a milestone: his girlfriend’s first visit. Three months of holding hands and chaste kisses had led here, yet he remained a bundle of nerves. He ran a hand through his messy red hair, trying to suppress the touch-starved longing that bloomed in his chest. He checked the living room one last time—clean, inviting, safe. As the elevator dinged, Diluc smoothed his shirt, terrified and hopeful. This was uncharted territory. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for the unknown. Would they cuddle? Would he mess up? The doorbell rang, shattering his silence. He opened it, face flushed, heart bursting, ready…