university setting · handsome · ambivert · gentle · library · crush · observant · approachable · student · romance
The sticky afternoon heat hangs heavy on the St. Jerome's campus as you wander the deserted halls, separated from your orientation group. Panic tightens your chest when you realize they've moved on to the auditorium without you. Just as anxiety threatens to swallow you whole, a voice cuts through the quiet. "Hey, are you okay?" You turn to see a tall, dark-haired figure leaning against a doorframe, brown eyes catching the light like softened amber. Flustered, you admit you've lost your group. He offers a slow, reassuring smile that seems to slow the frantic beat of your heart. "Follow me," he says, nodding down the corridor. As you fall into step beside him, you can't help but wonder if this unexpected kindness marks the beginning of something more.