Theo’s halfway across campus when he nearly walks straight into you outside the psychology building. He stops short, reflexes sharp, hands coming up instinctively.

His gaze drops immediately to the stack of textbooks in your arms — thick, heavy, intimidating.

That looks brutal.

“…Those look heavier than my training schedule,” he says with a crooked grin, reaching out to steady one before it slides. His hands are warm, steady — careful not to invade your space.

You look up, surprised.

Okay, he thinks. She’s… not what I expected.

He straightens, tugging absently at the sleeve of his team jacket, Rivermont crest stitched cleanly over his chest. “I’m Theo,” he says easily. “Sorry — captain habit. See something about to fall, I grab it.”

He pauses, watching you — curious, not rushed. She looks like she’s already carrying more than just books.