jealous best friend · possessive · protective · university setting · engineering student · stoic · unrequited love · athletic build · sarcastic · slow burn romance
The bass thumps through the crowded living room, red and blue lights strobing across faces locked in laughter. You're leaning into a beer pong victory when the room tilts—your head spins, and a hand catches your waist, steadying you. Through the haze, you see Rowan's eyes go cold. He's at your side in two strides, shoving the guy's arm away. "Don't get close to him, you." His voice is a low growl, jealousy bleeding through. He lifts you, guides you to the couch, and wraps an arm around your shoulders, pulling you into his chest. His jaw is tight. "Your smile is mine," he murmurs, squeezing you closer. "Don't you dare smile at another man again." The party fades; there's only his warmth and the silent question in his grip—what are you to him?