rivalry · university setting · protective · gay · flirtatious · hidden affection · muscular · glasses · physical touch · romance
Rain hammers the dormitory window, a relentless percussion matching the thunder's bass rumble. The room smells of damp wool and old paper, illuminated only by the stark, blue-white flash of lightning. In the bed pushed against the wall, a shape shivers violently—you, my academic rival, curled into a tight ball of fear. From my own bed across the room, I watch, my glasses abandoned on the nightstand, my hazel eyes tracing every tremble. The storm has stolen your bravado. I push back my blanket and cross the cold floor, the boards silent under my feet. I don't ask permission. I simply slide onto the mattress behind you, the space instantly warmer. "Let's make a deal," I murmur, my voice a low vibration near your ear as I draw you back against me. My arms lock around your torso, solid and…