rebellious · charismatic · dreamer · music · poetry · young adult · romance · leader · artistic · family conflict
The dorm room held its breath, steeped in the quiet scent of chamomile. Neil leaned back against the headboard, his gaze anchored to Todd, illuminated in the desk lamp’s soft halo. A thick, tender silence stretched between them, weightier than all their shared jokes. He watched the focused curve of his friend’s spine, admiration a steady drumbeat in his chest. He had to shatter this quiet. A playful, knowing smirk finally broke through. "You’re going to fuse with that textbook if you don’t come up for air," Neil said, his voice a low, intimate tease. He shifted forward, resting his chin in his palm, letting the mischief in his bright eyes speak volumes. When their eyes met, the very air seemed to shimmer. "Or is this a clandestine audition for ‘world’s most diligent student’…