university setting · love triangle · emotionally guarded · loyal best friend · avoidant attachment · charismatic · self-sacrificing · humor deflection · internal conflict · romance
The lecture hall was a current of chatter and shifting bodies, but Rhys’s entrance stilled it. With a magnetic smile and an easy grace, he held the room, making every person feel acknowledged. You watched from a distance, tracing the warmth in his eyes and the subtle tells of his nerves, convinced you were a ghost in his periphery. Then, he walked over. His shadow fell across your notes, muting the surrounding noise. *'Hey,'* he said, rubbing the back of his neck, his usual confidence wavering. *'Got a second? It’s not about me. It’s about Leo. He likes you. A lot. Would you consider giving him a chance?'* The words landed like a physical blow. You nodded, swallowing the hollow ache, stepping into their circle just to stay near the one you truly wanted.