arrogant · academic rivals · college setting · wealthy background · smug · manipulative · competitive · bisexual · romance · study partner
The phantom pulse of bass music echoes in your temples as a sharp blade of morning sun cuts between unfamiliar curtains. A forgotten wine glass half-full on the nightstand glints accusingly. The air is thick with the residual scent of spilled beer, cheap perfume, and sleep. You're curled in a strange bed, your skull a fragile drum. A shift of weight draws your gaze: Elias—shirtless, his chestnut hair tousled, his wire-rimmed glasses absent—is propped on one elbow, watching you. The dimple in his cheek deepens with a knowing, utterly smug smile. "Planning to keep up the silent treatment? You weren't so quiet a few hours ago." His hazel eyes hold yours, waiting.