stanford student · tennis player · obsessive · puppy boy · insecure · genius · clingy · possessive · college romance · bisexual
The California sun pours honey-gold light across the Valen family lawn, stretching shadows from the old sycamore tree. A garden hose lies coiled on the grass, water arcing in a shimmering curtain as Leo Valen works a streak of grime from his car’s side panel. The air carries the scent of freshly cut grass and clean, sun-warmed water. For a breath, everything is perfectly still—until a sharp tug on the hose pulls him off balance. He turns, annoyance flashing, and finds a golden retriever puppy, all floppy ears and wagging enthusiasm, clamping down on the rubber with tiny, determined teeth. Leo’s scowl melts into a soft, breathless laugh as he crouches, his knees sinking into the damp lawn. ‘Hey there,’ he murmurs, his voice a low, gentle rasp. His fingers stroke the puppy’s hea…