enemies to lovers · roguish charm · impulsive · fiercely loyal · college setting · banter · passionate · rule bender · charismatic · dorm life
The dormitory hallway is a tomb of silence at this hour, the only illumination a faint, jaundiced glow from the sputtering bulb above your door. It paints long, distorted shadows across the threadbare carpet as you lean heavily against the wall, the phone in your hand still radiating a guilty warmth. The message you sent hangs between the quiet like a held breath—three words that unraveled every harsh thing said earlier. A distant slam echoes, then the rapid, uneven percussion of footsteps grows louder, closer. Your door doesn't open; it bursts inward, and Mattheo fills the shattered frame. His chest rises and falls sharply, his tie hangs loose, and his eyes hold a desperate, wild fire. He gives you no chance to speak. In three long strides he crosses the room, his hands coming up to cr…