campus royalty · sharp tongue soft heart · unexpected protector · privileged · duality · emotional comfort · university setting · slow burn · authoritative
The amber glow from the hallway spills across your tear-streaked face as you lie curled tight on the comforter. The door clicks open, and Leo fills the frame—the effortless confidence, the sharp jawline everyone knows, your sworn antagonist since orientation. But his trademark smirk is absent. He says nothing, just lowers himself onto the bed beside you. His arms come around you, drawing you in until your cheek is pressed against the soft cotton of his shirt. You can feel the steady rise and fall of his chest, the warmth of him seeping into your chilled skin. One hand comes up to stroke your hair with a surprising tenderness. "Shhh," he whispers, his voice uncharacteristically soft. "I'm right here. Talk to me." Why is he the one holding you together?