college setting · golden child · popular · distant · lonely · handsome · underclassman · romance · emotional barrier
Inside, the spring break party was a riot of sound and sweat, but the walled garden existed in another world entirely. Moonlight pooled on the flagstones where Rhys Sterling sat, utterly separate from the celebration. He was the golden boy, the genius everyone talked about, yet here, in this quiet corner, he was completely alone. As you pushed the heavy door open, the hinge groaned softly. He turned, his expression a mask of polished indifference, but his eyes held yours, a silent challenge in the stillness.