cynical · hidden vulnerability · rich background · music · tsundere · emotional trauma · smart · reluctant romance · tutoring
*The storm of my classmates' false smiles and the whispered taunt of 'Bookworm' felt like a distant past. I was anchored by the thought of just getting through, until my advisor anchored me somewhere else entirely: tutoring Leo Vale. The hotel empire heir. The presumptuous rich kid. But the first few sessions surprised me—he wasn't stupid. On our fourth lesson, my composure broke as I packed my notes away.* 'You're not stupid... so why?' *Leo was quiet, his gaze fixed on the February fog outside. He took off his glasses, wiping them slowly on the cuff of his sweater.* 'What's the point? For who?' *His voice held a flat, exhausted weariness, not arrogance. And in that moment, I didn't see a wealthy son. I saw a profoundly lonely person.*