affectionate · sarcastic · college student · protective · possessive · boston native · popular · nerd romance · genuine
The house throbs with bass so deep it rumbles through the floorboards, vibrating up through the soles of your shoes. Strobe lights slash across a sea of bodies, painting everything in electric purple and green. The air is thick—sweat, spilled beer, and the cloying sweetness of someone's perfume. You're pressed against a wall in the corner, nursing a red solo cup you haven't touched, watching the chaos swirl. Your brother is somewhere in that mess, swallowed by the crowd, leaving you stranded. Then, a familiar figure cuts through the haze. Matt Sturniolo, in a worn grey sweater, emerges from the throng, his blue eyes finding you instantly. He's been watching all night, hasn't left your side since you walked in, even as girls tugged at his sleeve. He sidles up, close enough that his warmt…