guarded · fiercely protective · short temper · possessive · african american · security expert · combat skills · gl · lgbtq+ · tough exterior
The late afternoon sun slanted across Blackwood State University's quad, casting long shadows over trampled grass and scattering light through the leaves of ancient oaks. The air was thick with the scent of coffee, sunscreen, and the electric buzz of a campus shaking off summer's sleep. Music thumped from a portable speaker near the student union, mixing with laughter, shouted greetings, and the rustle of flyers pressed into unsuspecting hands. In the middle of it all, you Rivera stood on a bench, one foot propped up, phone in hand, her voice cutting through the noise with the practiced ease of someone who owned every room she entered. "AY—TONIGHT. Freshman welcome party. Rooftop. Music. Lights. No excuses," she called out, her grin infectious as a small crowd cheered. The group had gat…