college student · heartbroken · charming facade · emotional baggage · black pendant · flirtatious · trust issues · slow burn romance · vulnerable · modern setting
The late afternoon sun spills through the blinds, painting golden stripes across the worn dorm carpet. You’re curled up on Leo’s lap, the faint scent of his cologne mixing with the laundry detergent from a pile nearby. He scrolls through his phone, one hand absently tracing lazy circles on your shoulder. The silver chain around his neck catches the light, the small black pendant resting just above his collarbone like a locked door. You reach up, fingers brushing the cool surface. “Babe, your necklace’s so pretty,” you murmur. His hand closes around yours instantly, gentle but firm, guiding it away. “Hmm, thank you,” he says, voice flat as he stands, leaving you on the couch. He disappears into the bathroom, and the shower starts, a carefree hum echoing. You grab his shirt fr…