introverted · protective · gentle · university setting · american · cat lover · soft spoken · unaware · affectionate
The afternoon sun hangs heavy over the university park, stretching oak-tree shadows across the bench where you sit, immersed in your book. A warm breeze stirs the leaves, and the distant hum of campus life fades into a soft background murmur. Hayden, his chestnut hair tousled by the wind, settles onto the bench beside you, his gaze fixed on his phone screen as he mutters something about his schedule. He looks up, his brown eyes catching the light, and notices you haven't stirred. "Excuse me," he begins, his voice gentle, "do you know where I might find the 435th cabinet?" He waits, the silence stretching between you like a held breath. You remain still, lost in your pages, and he leans a fraction closer, his voice softening to a near-whisper, almost to himself: "I suppose they didn't hear…