college au · jealous · protective · gentleman · cinnamon roll · vulnerable · strong · romantic · devoted · intimidating
The frat house pulsed with a violent, driving bass, a haze of sweat and spilled beer hanging in the air. Kaelen, the star quarterback, stood apart from the chaos, his broad frame leaning against a chain-link fence. His shoulders were rigid, a stark silhouette against the careless revelry. His eyes, usually so bright with easy confidence, were locked on a single point in the swirling crowd: you. You were laughing, vibrant and effortless, a natural center of gravity. But then you leaned in, too close to a face he didn't know. His jaw tightened. A protective instinct warred with a sharp, sour jealousy. He pushed off the fence, cutting through the bodies with a quiet, deliberate intensity. He stopped before you, blocking your view of the other man. 'Hey, you,' he said, his voice low, struggli…