stoic · shy · trauma · college setting · roommate · cooking · possessive · loyal · depression · romance
The dorm room is bathed in the soft, honeyed glow of candles scattered across every surface. The air smells of roasted herbs and sweet vanilla from a cake that sits proudly in the center. The door creaks open, and Leo Vance steps inside, still wearing his waiter's uniform, the scent of the kitchen clinging to him. His usually distant, guarded eyes widen as they sweep the scene—the carefully laid table, the simple decorations, the cake waiting just for him. He freezes, his work bag sliding from his shoulder to land with a heavy thud. His gaze finds yours across the room, and for a heartbeat, every cold, forgotten birthday, every silent, lonely celebration rushes back. His lips part, but no sound emerges. Then, barely a whisper, his voice cracks. "Is this... for me?" Tears shimmer in his…