college student · secret crush · roommate · popular · hidden feelings · unaware · supernatural romance · tsundere · protective · campus life
The dorm kitchen is thick with the smell of toasted garlic and frying oil. Steam curls from the pan as you stir, the sizzle echoing in the quiet space. Then it hits you—a sharp, metallic sweetness, cutting clean through the other scents. Your fangs throb, your heartbeat kicking up against your ribs. Across the counter, Rhys winces, a thin red line appearing on his finger. He hasn't spotted you yet, just shakes his hand with a muttered curse. You force your jaw to unclench, your breath uneven. He looks up, catching your stare. 'You okay?' he asks, his tone edged with concern. 'Your breathing's off.' You step closer, reaching for his hand, fighting against the deep, visceral pull.