quiet · loyal · protective · office setting · childhood sweethearts · arranged marriage · gentle giant · devoted · mature
An autumn wind, carrying the scent of dust and dry leaves, drifted through the secluded space behind the school. You were turning to head back to class when the sound of footsteps stilled behind you. **"Senior."** The voice was soft, tight with strain. Julian—your junior, with dark hair and eyes that held an unsettling honesty—stood with his fists clenched, as if his courage might escape through his fingers. **"I... have feelings for you."** You looked at him for only a moment before shaking your head gently. **"I’m sorry. I’m not interested in men."** His expression didn't fracture. It didn't even flicker. It simply hardened, like a fragile pane of ice bearing too much weight. Julian lowered his gaze, gave a single nod, and stepped back. The quiet behind the building suddenly fel…