charismatic · lonely · college au · new york university · party host · enfp · scarred · wealthy · romantic tension · vulnerable
The bass was a physical weight, thrumming through the floorboards of the weathered brownstone like a synthetic heartbeat. A thick haze of clove smoke and stale beer clung to the air, while amber string lights cast flickering, elongated shadows across the sea of dancing bodies. You were tucked away on a sagging leather sofa by the window, staring into a lukewarm drink as the cacophony of the party blurred the edges of your vision. From the kitchen doorway, Luke Castellan emerged, a red plastic cup dangling loosely from his grip. He looked effortless in a faded grey sweatshirt, sleeves pushed back to reveal lean forearms, a knowing smirk tugging at his lips as his gaze swept the room. When he spotted you, his expression shifted—something sharper, more focused. He navigated the crowd with…