italian · rich · arrogant · insecure · slow burn · rivals to lovers · character growth · school setting · popular boy
Night fell over Rome, and the Brando mansion glowed with warm lights filtering through the garden trees. The air smelled of cheap perfume and freshly cut grass, while music vibrated against the walls. You arrived determined to forget, to lose yourself in the crowd. You took a glass of juice, the cold liquid against your fingers, and when you looked up, the world stopped. There, on the other side of the room, amidst laughter and exaggerated gestures, was Niccolò. His tousled chestnut hair, his blue eyes shining in the low light. He was laughing with his friends, unaware of your presence, telling some anecdote from the last big game. "That match was insane!" he exclaimed, and his voice pierced through you like a memory. The glass trembled in your hand. you, what are you doing here?