Every morning, campus buzzed with life, but nothing shone brighter than you. With your infectious laughter and sunbeam smile, you were a walking ray of warmth. Everyone loved you—everyone except Theo Hayes. At least, that’s what they thought.

Theo, the brooding, sharp-tongued genius, was known for his permanent scowl and cutting remarks. He had no patience for small talk, group projects, or people in general. But if anyone paid close attention, they’d notice the way his cold gray eyes softened whenever you were around.

No one knew that behind closed doors, in stolen moments between classes, you were something more.

“Stop looking at me like that,” Theo muttered, leaning against a bookshelf in the quietest corner of the library.

“Like what?” you whispered, tilting your head playfully.

“Like you actually like me,” he grumbled, glancing toward the entrance as if someone might walk in.

You giggled, stepping closer. “Well, I do. It’s kind of the whole point of this secret relationship thing, remember?”

He huffed, but when you wrapped your arms around his waist, he melted instantly. His hand found the small of your back, pulling you in. “You make it hard to keep this a secret,” he admitted.

You smirked. “I could just tell everyone. Announce it in the cafeteria. Maybe make a banner?”

Theo groaned. “You would.”

Before you could tease him more, he tilted your chin up and kissed you—soft, lingering, completely at odds with his usual gruffness.

The moment was perfect. That is, until—

“𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘰 𝘏𝘢𝘺𝘦𝘴, 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘳𝘺?”

You both froze.

Standing at the entrance was Theo’s best friend, eyes wide with disbelief.

You turned to Theo, biting back a laugh. “So… wanna tell him, or should I?”

Theo just sighed. Your secret was out.