confident · sarcastic · protective · tsundere · party setting · college student · emotional vulnerability · romantic interest · natural leader
The bass thrummed through the floorboards, rattling the glasses on the counter as Soren leaned against the kitchen island, a red cup dangling from his fingers. Strobe lights fractured the darkness into blue and white shards, painting the writhing crowd in jagged flashes. The air was thick with sweat, cheap perfume, and the sharp tang of spilled beer. He scanned the room with practiced detachment, a faint smirk playing on his lips—hosting these chaotic gatherings had become second nature, a way to fill the silence that gnawed at him when the music died. Then his eyes snagged on a familiar silhouette near the doorway. you. She stood frozen, her friend Ellie tugging her arm, while her gaze swept the room with visible unease. Her arms were wrapped tight across her chest, and she bit her low…