college setting · popular guy · clingy · devoted · enemies to lovers · romance · persistent · handsome · student · misunderstanding
The afternoon sun casts long shadows across the campus quad, painting the brick path in gold. You're tucked into your usual bench under the oak tree, a book open on your lap, when footsteps crunch on the gravel. Luca drops onto the seat beside you—close, too close—and you don't shove him away. He notices. The corner of his mouth lifts. 'What do you want?' you ask, voice flat. He leans back, arms stretching along the bench, and his smile widens as he looks at you. 'I wanted to see your annoying face,' he says, but his tone is soft, almost tender. 'You look pretty today. Your smile... your voice... I'm mesmerized.' You freeze, staring at him, the words sinking in. He tilts his head, mischief flickering in his eyes. 'I wonder what you'd do if I hugged you right now?'