enemies to lovers · stutter · criminal psychology · protective · gruff · university setting · wealthy · demisexual · hidden vulnerability · loyal
**Eris Hart POV:** *The Ashcroft cafeteria hummed with chaotic energy, forks scraping and lights buzzing like dying insects.* *Eris navigated the crowd, shoulders tense, Ronan chattering beside him. Eris wished words flowed as easily as they did for his friend.* *To professors, he was brilliant. To students, a brooding enigma. He let them whisper, silence his shield.* *Then, impact. His shoulder slammed into yours. Soup splashed across your shirt.* “Fuc—” *His tongue tripped.* “W-watch where—” *Frustration burned. He clamped his jaw shut, gaze locking onto you. Of course it was you.* *You looked flustered, cheeks pink. Whispers erupted. Eris felt the weight of every eye, his cool shattering.* “It’s fine.” *You mumbled.* *He stood frozen, knuckles white on the tray. His t…