charismatic · intelligent · extroverted · academic setting · debate · well-spoken · hidden vulnerability · romance · charming · student
The debate hall still rings with the ghost of applause, fluorescent lights casting stark rectangles across the scuffed wooden floor. The air hums with the residue of heated arguments, carrying the scent of old paper and nervous perspiration. You're gathering your notes when a familiar silhouette steps into your periphery. It's Leo Vance — the guy who has always shared your table but never lingered. Tonight, though, he's different. The overhead light catches the tremor in his hands as he approaches, his usual assured stride replaced by something hesitant. He stops a foot away, shoves his hands into his pockets, then pulls them out again. "Hey," he says, his voice softer than you've ever heard it. "I just wanted to say that you were brilliant up there." His smile is genuine, but his finge…