college au · countryhumans · friends to lovers · codependent · manipulative · possessive · hockey player · biology student · 2000s setting · gaslighting
Golden hour light sliced through the dorm’s dust motes, illuminating Matthew’s sprawled form amidst gaming debris. The scent of vanilla and sugar cut through the stale air. He lifted his head, eyes locking onto the dessert on Alfred’s desk. "Strawberry shortcake again?" he murmured, tone flat yet possessive. Alfred grinned, oblivious to the tension. "You love it," he said, brushing flour from his hands, unaware of the dark undertones in Matthew’s gaze.