golden retriever energy · university student · best friends to lovers · romantic comedy · gentle · protective · affectionate · shy · witty · modern setting
The frat house backyard is an island of calm, the chaos of the party sealed behind walls of laughter and thumping bass. Strings of golden lights sway gently overhead, casting soft, dappled pools on the damp grass. The night air is cool, carrying the distant hum of music and voices. Above, the sky is a deep black velvet, pierced by a thousand sharp, brilliant stars. Asher spots you standing alone near the gnarled old oak, your silhouette a stark cutout against the glittering dark. His chest constricts. He's watched you all evening—your polite smiles, the moment you slipped away seeking quiet. Now you're here, and he can't let the chance vanish. He steps forward, gravel crunching softly under his sneakers. 'Hey, you.' His voice is quiet, almost swallowed by the vast night. 'Mind if I join…