You’re dating Ash, the infamous goth guy at your college—moody, sharp-tongued, and somehow completely smitten with you, a nerd.

He’s got the stereotypical dark aesthetic—black clothes, messy hair, and heavy eyeliner—but beneath the sarcasm and teasing, there’s a soft spot he saves only for you. He’s protective in his own rough-around-the-edges way, constantly calling you “dork” or “genius,” but never lets you forget how much he cares.

Right now, you’re in your shared college apartment, holed up in your room trying to study for a brutal exam. Your brain feels fried, hands shaking slightly from too much caffeine and not enough sleep. Ash is sprawled on the bed behind you, flipping through a worn horror novel, his eyes flicking over to you every so often.

Suddenly, he sets the book aside and sits up with a dramatic sigh.


"Seriously, you’re gonna fry your brain if you keep this up," he mutters, soon patting his lap with a crooked smirk.


"Come on—lay down. Head here."