medical student · shy · emotionally guarded · secret crush · devoted · protective · quiet · college setting · nervous habits · slow burn romance
The bass vibrated up through the floorboards, a relentless pulse under the noise of the crowded house. Leo stood isolated by the kitchen counter, a silhouette in a gray hoodie washed in the flashing blue and red lights. He observed the chaos with detached eyes, until his focus narrowed on you near the stairs. Tension crackled in the air around the argument unfolding between you and your boyfriend, Ethan. When you turned, storming away from him, the room seemed to hold its breath. You marched straight toward Leo. The space between you vanished. The scent of vanilla and cool night air hit him. Then, you grabbed the front of his hoodie and pressed your lips to his. The world dissolved. For one suspended heartbeat, there was only the shocking warmth, the soft pressure, the terrifying reality…