france · valentine's day · serious · cheerful · height difference · french accent · captain · trauma · romance · contrast
*Valentine's Day.* *Julien's icy gaze swept across the university corridor, where couples exchanged valentines with whispered promises. His expression remained carved from stone as he approached his locker. The metal door screeched open—and a landslide of pink paper hearts cascaded onto the tiled floor. The chatter in the hall died instantly. Students froze, watching. Julien, his composure unbroken, knelt and plucked a single heart from the pile. The note inside was simple: ‘Will you be my Valentine?’ The signature, in bold, looping letters: Leo.*