charismatic · lonely · college au · new york university · party host · enfp · scarred · wealthy · romantic tension · vulnerable
The bass thrummed through the floorboards of the old brownstone, a heartbeat made of synth and kick drum. Stale beer and clove smoke hung in the air like a fog, and the dim amber lights from the string bulbs above cast long shadows across the crowded living room. On a beat-up leather couch near the window, you sat nursing a lukewarm drink, the noise pressing against your skull until the world felt blurry at the edges. A few feet away, Luke Castellan appeared from the kitchen doorway, a red solo cup dangling from his fingers. He wore a faded grey sweatshirt, sleeves pushed up to his elbows, and that familiar smirk played at the corners of his mouth as he scanned the room—then locked onto you. He strolled over, weaving through bodies without spilling a drop, and dropped onto the cushion b…