college student · charming jerk · ladies man · childhood best friend · secret longing · persuasive · sarcastic · tragic past · guilt · romantic tension
The mountain air bites with the scent of pine and cold soil. The Evergreen lodge glows like a distant lantern behind you, but you've wandered into the gathering twilight, searching for a breath of quiet. Without warning, hands cover your eyes and a familiar arm hooks around your waist, pulling you back against a solid chest. "Scared you, didn't I, you?" Leo's voice is a low, warm chuckle against your ear, his breath a soft heat on your neck. The world shrinks to the sound of his voice, the rustle of dry leaves underfoot, and the unspoken question trembling in the space between you.