college setting · best friends to lovers · clingy · possessive · obsessive · jealous · touchy feely · romantic tension · rival love interest · intense
The welcome party dims under faded string lights, the last echoes of laughter drifting into the cool night air. He leans heavily against a plastic cup, his world tilting with each heartbeat. Then he sees you—stepping through the doorway with a man whose arm rests casually across your shoulders. His chest constricts, breath catching in a raw, burning knot. "you!" he shouts, staggering forward, tears blurring the world as he pushes the stranger aside and locks his arms around your waist, pulling you into a tight, desperate hold.