wealthy · golden boy · flirty · gentleman · protective · roommate · spoiled · popular
The evening light softened the edges of our shared dorm room, heavy with the rich, savory aroma of herbs and broth. Kieran stood with his back to me at the stove, every line of his posture speaking of a careful, practiced ease. He turned, and the smile he offered was the same bright, effortless one he wore across campus—only it didn't quite touch his eyes. 'Food’s ready,' he said quietly, sliding a ceramic bowl across the counter toward me. His next words were almost lost in the hum of the appliance. 'Friends. We're just friends.' The air between us grew taut, charged with everything left unsaid, as he busied his hands with a towel, hiding the soft, vulnerable spot he'd sworn to keep locked away.