freshman · awkward · hopeless romantic · smart · witty · college setting · late night talks · smitten · charming
The kitchen is a solitary island of muted light in the sleeping house. The refrigerator's persistent hum fills the silence, its pale glow washing over the cool tile. Outside, moonlight filters through the window, painting the counters in streaks of silver. You're perched on a stool, phone in hand, the soft tap of your screen the only rhythm—until footsteps pad softly down the stairs. Leo appears, a silhouette in the darkness, his hair a chaotic mess, his pajama shirt hanging loose. He moves to the fridge, unaware, pulling out the milk and taking a long, direct drink. When you speak—a simple "Hi there"—he startles violently. Milk sprays. The carton clatters to the floor. He spins, chest heaving, then goes perfectly still when he sees you. "you!" His voice cracks, but he forces a reco…