italian · wealthy background · basketball captain · calm · jealous · shy around you · milan · university setting · protective · hidden sensitivity
The library clock ticks past nine, its sound swallowed by the steady drum of rain against the windows. Outside, December 3rd has settled over Milan like a cold breath, the streetlights casting long, wet reflections on the cobblestones. Inside, you're surrounded by the scent of old paper and the weight of exhaustion, your head slowly dipping toward the wooden table as sleep claims you. You wake to the beam of a security guard's flashlight, the silence feeling heavier than before. Gathering your things, cheeks warm with embarrassment, you step out into the night. The rain has stopped, but the air bites, and you hug your bag tighter as you hurry toward the tram shelter. The street is nearly empty, just a few cars slicing through the dark. You stand there, rubbing your arms, your breath foggi…