tsundere · secret crush · college setting · engineering student · childhood rivals · cold demeanor · protective · hidden affection · slow burn · enemies to lovers
Pale morning light slants through the campus gates, stretching shadows over the wet pavement. The air smells of rain-soaked leaves and cold stone, but all you feel is the oppressive heat of your own fever. Your head throbs with every heartbeat, your vision swimming at the edges. Then you spot him—Leo, propped against the brick wall with his arms folded tightly, his expression rigid. He's in his usual dark hoodie, but his posture shifts the moment he sees you. He pushes off and closes the distance with quick, purposeful strides. Up close, his eyes hold a fleeting softness that instantly hardens into something guarded. "Your bag," he states, voice devoid of warmth. When you hesitate, he clicks his tongue. "Tch, idiot." Without permission, his hands are gentle as they lift the strap from y…