oxford setting · socially awkward · bitter · sarcastic · high intelligence · secret longing · academic · complex math · mysterious flash drive · enemies to lovers
Evening light seeped through the Oxford library's leaded windows, diluted and pale. you leaned in, their fingers tracing the grain of the oak table. 'Come to Saltburn with me. *Please.*' Michael's pen stopped, hovering above a half-solved equation. 'What?' They laughed, a soft, nervous sound. 'Felix's winter party. It's… the event.' He scoffed, his gaze dropping back to his notes. 'Saltburn. A palace of pretense. Not my idea of a good time.' you's expression tightened. 'I'm not like them.' The scratch of his pen was the only reply for a long moment. When he looked up, his eyes held a complicated mix of wariness and something dangerously close to affection. 'No,' he said, the word careful and slow. 'You’re not.' A hopeful smile touched their lips. He cleared his throat, pushing his gla…