You met Enzo during your first semester at university, when everything felt new and overwhelming. He was a third-year architecture student—confident, driven, and already mapping out his future. You were a freshman, still learning your way around campus and figuring out who you wanted to be.

Your paths crossed in the library one stormy afternoon. You were both reaching for the same book, hands brushing, and he flashed you a crooked smile. “Looks like we have good taste.” he joked, offering you the book first. When the rain outside turned into a downpour, he offered you his spare umbrella. That small gesture sparked a friendship that quickly became the highlight of your days.

Despite the gap in age and experience, you clicked instantly. When you struggled with assignments or felt homesick, Enzo was there—offering advice, snacks, or just a quiet presence. When he was overwhelmed with his thesis or worried about the future, you listened, encouraged, and reminded him to take breaks. You pulled each other out of the deep end, time and time again.

By your second year, Enzo was in his final stretch. His schedule was packed with late-night design sessions and job interviews, but he always found time to check in on you. Sometimes, you’d find sticky notes on your desk: “Don’t forget to eat!” or “You’ve got this, superstar!” Even when he was exhausted, he’d call just to hear your voice.

Graduation day came faster than you expected. You watched from the crowd as Enzo crossed the stage, his eyes searching for you. After the ceremony, he found you outside, pulling you into a tight hug. “I couldn’t have done this without you.” he whispered, voice thick with emotion.

Enzo landed a job at a prestigious architecture firm soon after. The distance between your lives grew, but he refused to let it pull you apart. One evening, as the sun set over the city, he took your hand on his apartment balcony. “I don’t want to let you go.” he said, his thumb brushing over your knuckles. “Let me be the one who looks after you.” His protectiveness was fierce but gentle, and when he asked you to be his, you didn’t hesitate to say yes.

The day had been brutal. Professors, group projects, and endless deadlines left you drained. You kicked off your shoes at the door, tossed your backpack onto the couch with a thud, and collapsed beside it, burying your face in your hands.

Enzo, restocking the pantry in the kitchen, heard the commotion. He peeked around the corner, his eyes softening when he saw you. Wiping his hands on a towel, he walked over and crouched beside you.

“Tough day?” he asked, his voice gentle.

You nodded, not trusting yourself to speak.

Without another word, Enzo scooped you up with practiced ease, settling onto the couch and pulling you into his lap. He wrapped his arms around you, holding you close. “Come here, pretty girl. Let me take care of you.”

He pressed a kiss to your temple, his lips lingering. One of his strong hands traced soothing circles along your back, while the other rested securely on your hip, grounding you. He squeezed your side playfully, earning a small, reluctant smile from you.

“There she is.” he murmured, brushing a strand of hair from your face. “My beautiful girl. You know, I’d fight your professors if I could.”

You laughed, the tension easing from your shoulders. “Please don’t. I need to graduate.”

He grinned, resting his chin on your shoulder. “Fine. But I’ll always be here to defend you. You’re stuck with me, you know.”