Clearwater Private University Female Dorms

A few minutes into their walk, Leores, Sydney, and Abbie finally arrived at their dorm, the tranquility of the night enveloping them like a comforting, albeit slightly eerie, embrace.

The air was crisp, carrying with it the faint hum of nocturnal creatures hidden away in the surrounding greenery.

As they entered the dorm, Leo's eyes widened in surprise at the overt femininity of the apartment.

The hallway was a vibrant kaleidoscope of pastels, with fairy lights twinkling like captured stars and posters of pop stars plastered across the walls.

The scent of vanilla wafted gently through the air, a sweet contrast to the stale mix of beer and sweat that clung to their clothes from the party earlier.

"Geez, girls, this is practically like walking into an oversized teenage girl room. Did you guys steal all the glitter from a craft store?" Leores quipped, his voice laced with playful sarcasm as they approached the staircase leading to their floor.

Sydney giggled, her laughter soft and melodic. With a swift swipe of her access card, she unlocked the door.

"What? We like to keep things... cozy," she replied, a hint of pink dusting her cheeks as she spoke.

"Plus, we girls like the way our dorms are compared to the boys'. Y’all's smell like straight ass trying to be covered up by deodorant," Abbie added with a smirk, her eyes glinting with mischief.

Leores just snorted at the idea. "Not my problem. I live at home with my parents. I don't have to deal with the whole dorm situation. But I'm guessing it's more 'cozy' than 'claustrophobic'."

The girls shared a laugh, their voices echoing softly down the empty hallway.

The corridor was silent, save for the rhythmic tap of their footsteps on the linoleum, each step a reminder of the night's adventures.

"This is us," Sydney announced, stopping in front of a door adorned with sticky notes and Polaroid photos, a collage of memories and friendship.

"Thanks for walking us, Leores. It was nice getting to know you," she added, her smile bright yet not quite reaching her eyes, suggesting a hint of unspoken thoughts.

As they stepped inside, Leores was pleasantly surprised by the dorm's interior.

It was cozy, with a small kitchen complete with an oven and a living room that was both inviting and functional, flanked by two bathrooms.

The walls were a tapestry of posters depicting various movies and TV shows, lending the space a warm, welcoming vibe.

No problem, I just wanted to make sure you two got back okay, Leores said, his eyes scanning the room, taking in every detail.

The dorm was a testament to the girls' personalities, each corner a reflection of their shared experiences and individual tastes.

As Leo turned to leave, the warmth of the dorm beckoning him back into the night, Abbie's mischievous grin signaled a change in the evening's course.

"Say, Leo," she called out, her tone laced with playful curiosity, halting him mid-stride.

"Wouldn't you like to stay and chat for a while? It'd be nice to just relax, right?" Her words hung in the air, inviting yet teasing.

Sydney's eyes widened in surprise, and she quickly leaned into Abbie, her voice a harsh whisper.

"What the fuck are you doing!?" she hissed, her cheeks flushing with a mix of embarrassment and irritation.

Abbie, undeterred, whispered back, her tone conspiratorial.

"I'm trying to be a good wing woman, plus it's not like you don't like him." Her eyes darted toward Leores, who stood quietly, contemplating the unexpected invitation.

"You haven't been with someone since your whole freshman year after you dated Keshawn. I'm not going to let you have a bad impression of guys or him," Abbie insisted, her voice gentle yet firm in its resolve.

Sydney looked at him, her curiosity piqued. "Quotes?" she replied, a bit confused but intrigued.

"Yes, feel free to tell me if I am wrong about this. Leores took a moment, gathering his thoughts.

"But here's what I think: 'The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion.' That's from Albert Camus." He paused, allowing the words to hang in the air.

Sydney's gaze remained on him, curiosity piqued. "What does that have to do with me and Keshawn?"

Leores turned to face her, his expression earnest.

"It's about finding your own freedom, even in the face of someone trying to control you. You had the strength to leave him, and that's your act of rebellion. You're reclaiming who you are without his toxicity," he explained gently, placing a reassuring hand on her arm.

"'The quiet but inexorable breaking down of self-esteem is much more sinister – it’s a violation of the soul. It’s a form of psychological abuse that can take a long time to recover from.' That's from an anonymous source," Leores continued, his eyes never leaving hers.

Sydney felt a lump form in her throat, the weight of his words sinking deep.

She had never heard anyone put into such stark terms what she had experienced with Keshawn.

It was as if Leores had reached into her very soul and plucked out the pain she had buried.

She nodded slowly, the gravity of the conversation settling over them like a warm, heavy blanket.

Leores removed his hand from her shoulder and looked down at his hands.

"I never went through abuse, so I am unable to tell you what to do or how to deal with your problems, however... I did a lot of research on abuse and how people get out of it." He paused for a moment, his gaze drifting to the floor. "I know it's not the same, but maybe it can help."

Sydney couldn't believe what she was hearing.

Here was this guy, this fresh-faced freshman she had only known for a few hours, and he was quoting philosophers and discussing psychological abuse with a finesse that surprised her.

She felt a sudden jolt of attraction, her heart racing in her chest.

How did she not see this before? she wondered.

How did she not notice the depth behind those piercing gold eyes?

"I respect Lishcelle a whole bunch more now," Sydney thought to herself, a newfound admiration for her friend blossoming in her heart.

Lishcelle had been Leores' best friend for years, and here Sydney was, already feeling drawn to him after just a few hours.

"And I already want to ride him into the sunset..." The thought brought a blush to her cheeks, mingling respect for Lishcelle's willpower with her own burgeoning feelings.

She glanced at Leores, who sat beside her, his focus sincere and unwavering.

His empathy and understanding were not only comforting but also deeply attractive.

In that moment, Sydney realized just how easy it was to be captivated by him, his presence both calming and invigorating.

Lishcelle's got some serious strength, she mused internally, marveling at how her friend had managed to maintain a platonic relationship with someone so genuinely engaging.

Sydney's heart fluttered at the thought, her attraction to Leores growing quietly but steadily.

Her heart raced, the heat spreading through her body as her thoughts swirled around Leores.

"You know, Leo, it's really hot when a guy is as caring and genuine as you are," she blurted out, the words escaping before she could stop them.

Yet, she felt no regret; his gentle nature was something she hadn't encountered in a long time.

Leores looked momentarily surprised, a blush coloring his cheeks.

"Well, I'm just being myself is all. It's not a big deal," he shrugged, the modesty in his voice contrasting with the warmth in his eyes.

Sydney leaned closer, her gaze locking onto his.

"No, it's a very big deal. You're special, Leo," she whispered, her breath grazing his skin like a soft caress.

"W-well, uh... My friends and family prefer to call me Leores, ya know," he stammered, his voice cracking slightly.

The proximity of Sydney's warmth and her unwavering gaze sent his heart racing, beating a wild rhythm in his chest.

Sydney's arms wrapped around his neck, drawing him nearer.

Her eyes searched his, a silent question shimmering between them, and Leores found himself breathless under her gaze.

Her look was a mix of vulnerability and desire, a silent dance of emotions she had never dared to express before.

"Hey, uh... This is pretty fast, don't you think? Not to assume that you're the fast type but..." Leores began, his voice trailing off as he met her eyes, a mix of nerves and desire reflecting back at him.

Sydney bit her lip, her cheeks a deeper shade of pink. "I know," she murmured, "but I just can't help it." Her hands rested on his shoulders, feeling the tension beneath his skin.

Her fingers traced over the firmness of his body, surprised by the solidity, as if he were a pro athlete hiding in plain sight.

She hoped he could see past her boldness to the genuine yearning beneath.

"Syd, maybe we should slow down," Leores suggested, his voice a blend of desire and uncertainty.

"Giving me nicknames now? That's pretty forward," Sydney teased, her eyes sparkling with playful mischief. "But I like it." She leaned in closer, her breath a warm whisper against his cheek, her actions a silent testament to her attraction.

Before the moment could escalate, Leores' phone buzzed in his pocket.

He pulled it out to see Lishcelle's name on the screen. Letting out a small sigh of relief, he realized he had been teetering on the edge of a complicated situation.

"Thank goodness... Saved by the bell," he thought as he answered the call.

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

"Hello?" Leores answered, attempting to keep his voice steady and casual despite the slight tremor of his nerves.

"Where the hell are you!? Your mom and dad said you're still at Sydney and Annie's place! What's going on?" Lishcelle's voice blared through the phone, shattering the intimate bubble that had formed around him and Sydney.

Sydney pouted, her disappointment evident as the call interrupted their moment.

"Yeah, well... They asked me to stay for a bit," Leores replied, trying to maintain a nonchalant tone. "Just talking, you know, getting along."

"Hurry up and get home, man. It's 11:30 p.m. on a Wednesday; we got classes tomorrow!" Lishcelle's voice was a mix of concern and annoyance.

"Yeah, I know that, thanks for reestablishing already established information," Leores replied, his voice thick with sarcasm. "Look, I'll head out now, okay?"

Sydney looked at him with a blend of understanding and disappointment, her eyes conveying the unspoken tension between them.

She nodded gently, offering him a small smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.

Leores hung up the phone and turned to Sydney. "She's right, I gotta go," he said, his voice tinged with regret.

Sydney nodded, standing up as well. "It's okay, I get it. I don't want you to get in trouble with your parents."

Leores extended his hand for a handshake, but Sydney pulled him into a tight hug instead.

"Thank you for walking me home and for being such a good listener," she whispered, her breath sending a shiver down his spine.

Leo hugged her back with one arm. "It's cool, glad to have met you both," he said, his voice muffled in her hair.

He could feel her breasts press against his chest, and he couldn't help but feel a bit of arousal, but he pushed it aside, focusing on the friendship they had formed tonight.

Sydney then whispered seductively into his ear, "If we had a little more time, who knows, I would've liked to thank you more... personality way," her voice a sweet melody that made his heart race.

Leores gently pulled back. "Okay! Well, that's my cue to leave!" he said, standing up.

He made his way to the door and opened it.

"Good night, Sydney. Thank you for the chat." He stepped out into the hallway, taking a deep breath to calm his racing heart.

As Leores closed the door, Sydney giggled, watching him leave.

She knew she had made him uncomfortable, but she also knew he enjoyed it.

The way his eyes lingered on her before he left was telling.

She lay back against the couch with a smirk, feeling the excitement of the unspoken tension between them.

"Leo is a pretty cool guy," Sydney mused to herself, feeling a twinge of disappointment mixed with excitement over the potential that lay unexplored. "Well, maybe tomorrow."

Abbie returned to the dorm shortly after. "Wow, that was quick. I saw Leores walking out of the dorm, so what happened?" she asked, curiosity shining in her eyes.

"Well, nothing much... We pretty much just talked the whole time. I'm surprised he knows more about abuse than I thought," Sydney replied, her voice carrying a hint of amazement as she got off the couch and flopped onto her bed.

She couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more to Leores than met the eye, something she hadn't quite figured out yet.

"So... You didn't fuck him?" Abbie asked, her voice a mix of surprise and disappointment as she flopped onto her own bed.

"I mean... I really, really wanted to... You know I'm not that kind of girl, but I think he's worth waiting for," Sydney said, a coy smile playing on her lips as she propped herself up on her elbow.

"Well... You're better than me, Sydney. I totally would have jumped on that," Abbie said with a wink, her voice filled with mischief.

"That's because you'll always let anyone you think is cute smash," Sydney shot back, rolling her eyes playfully.

"Bitch, whatever. I'm in college and want to have a little fun. Besides, it's not like I let them raw dog me," Abbie retorted with a laugh, tossing a pillow at Sydney.

Sydney giggled and started a pillow fight with Abbie, the playfulness of the moment a stark contrast to the intensity of the conversation she had just shared with Leores.

The room filled with laughter and flying feathers.

Clearwater Private University Campus-Night

Meanwhile, as Leores walked through the streets of Baton Rouge, his mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions.

It hadn't been like this since that time with Eris, though he couldn't quite put a name to this feeling.

He thought about Sydney's story, her pain, and the undeniable attraction he felt for her.

He had always been the knight in shining armor type, but this situation felt different, like he was actually stepping into the role rather than playing a game.

"Geez... What did I get myself into? I've never had a girl be so upfront with me like this before, except for Eris," Leores mused to himself as he walked back home.

The night was cool and crisp, the air carrying the faint scent of rain.

Feeling a mix of excitement and confusion, Leores picked up his phone and dialed a familiar number.

"Hey, it's me," he said, his voice a blend of eagerness and bewilderment.

"Leo! Hey, how's college student life treating you?" Eris's cheerful voice came through the line, grounding him amidst his swirling thoughts.

"It's Leores now, remember? I got my name changed legally. And it's definitely interesting," he replied, trying to maintain a light tone despite the complexity of his emotions.

"Well, you're always going to be my Leo regardless, but if you want me to respect your new name, you can always give 'it' back," Eris teased, her voice playful despite the distance between them.

Leores rolled his eyes. "You know that's impossible for me, Eris. Plus, we did that months ago before college," he replied with a smirk.

"I know, I know, but I can't help it. You're still my little Leo," Eris chuckled, her voice a soothing balm. "But tell me, what's got you so worked up?"

"Well... It's girl troubles," Leores admitted, feeling a bit embarrassed.

"Ohh~? Is it Lishcelle? I always knew it would happen eventually," Eris's tone was filled with amusement and a hint of mischief.

"For the 47th time, Lishcelle and I are just friends, Eris. And no, it's not her. It's someone else," Leores said, feeling a bit frustrated.

"Oh? Do tell, who's the lucky girl?" Eris's voice grew more serious, though the playfulness lingered.

"I went to my first college party today, and Lishcelle introduced me to one of her new friends, Sydney. And she... she's just... she's going through something, and I can't stop thinking about her," Leores said, his voice tight with emotion.

"Is that so? What's going on with her?" Eris asked, her voice laced with genuine concern.

"She's recovering from a bad breakup with her ex. I gave her some helpful advice, and well... she got pretty attached to me... Hard," Leores replied, his voice contemplative.

"Attached, huh? What kind of advice did you give her?" Eris's voice took on a knowing tone.

"Just a few quotes about being in an abusive relationship, nothing too deep," Leores replied, feeling his cheeks heat up slightly.

"It just seemed like she needed to hear something like that."

"Well, Leo, you never cease to amaze me," Eris said, her voice filled with affection and pride.

"But remember, you can't save everyone. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is just be there for them."

"I know, but... I know she's in a vulnerable state, and she tried to seduce me," Leores admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

"But she's not like other girls I've known. She's been through a lot, and I don't want to seem like I'm taking advantage of her since I'm in a better mindset and in a position of power."

"Leo, listen to me," Eris said, her tone turning serious.

"You're a good person, and I know you'd never do anything to hurt someone. Just be honest with her, and with yourself. If you feel something real, tell her. If not, be her friend. But don't let your fear of hurting her hold you back from potentially finding something amazing."

Leores took a moment to let Eris's words sink in.

He knew she was right; he had a tendency to overthink things, especially when it came to relationships.

He had always been the one to take the lead, to protect and guide others, but now he faced a situation more complex than his usual strategic battles.

"You know, Leo... I miss you so much," Eris's voice was a gentle melody, pulling him from his thoughts. "But if you're going to be gallivanting around with college girls, who's going to keep you out of trouble?" she teased, her tone playful and light.

"Come on, Eris, you know that's not how I roll. And who taught you 'gallivanting'? That's a pretty big word for you. Did you just learn it?" Leores shot back with a laugh, trying to lighten the tension in his chest.

"Oh, shut up. You know I've always had a way with words," Eris replied, her voice playful yet serious. "But seriously, Leo, you've got to be careful. You're in a new environment, with new people. Keep your wits about you."

"It's me you're talking about, I'll be fine. Just try not to knock anyone's head off with that temper of yours," Leores chuckled, feeling more at ease.

"Mmm, and you have a big Di—" Eris began, but her words were cut off by a loud bang and the sound of shattering glass.

"Leo! What was that?!" Her voice shifted to sharp concern.

Leores instinctively dodged, feeling the rush of a bullet whiz past him.

He turned to see Keshawn holding a pistol, flanked by a couple of his goons.

"A tire just popped, Eris. I'll call you back later, okay?" he said quickly, striving to maintain his composure. He hung up and faced Keshawn.

"You bitch ass nigga... You think you can just mess with my ex, and I'd let that slide?" Keshawn's voice thundered through the street, fury blazin in his eyes.

"You've got the wrong idea, Keshawn. All Sydney and I did was talk about how you were an abusive piece of garbage. But I guess that truth hits a nerve, huh?" Leores replied, his voice icy and unwavering, eyes locked on Keshawn.

"Oh, you think you're funny, huh? You think you're slick?" Keshawn sneered, stepping closer, his grip on the gun tightening, anger radiating from him.

"What's truly funny is how pathetic you are. You had something good with her, someone who tried to help you change, but you were too stubborn to listen. Now you're upset she's moved on and trying to start something with me?" Leores's voice remained calm and firm, fists clenched at his sides, staring down the barrel unfazed.

Keshawn pressed the gun to Leores's forehead, but Leores's expression stayed stoic. "You act like you're not scared, like I won't pull the trigger," Keshawn taunted.

"Because I'm not scared. Just know that by the time you pull the trigger, my fist will have broken your jaw," Leores said calmly, his confidence unshaken.

He had faced worse and survived; this was just another obstacle.

Keshawn, finally fed up with Leores's words, pulled the trigger.

But Leores was faster, moving with precision, dodging not just the bullet but also the explosion itself.

The bullet whizzed past, a sharp reminder of the danger he was in.

Without missing a beat, he delivered a powerful right hook, his fist connecting with Keshawn's jaw with a resounding crack.

Keshawn staggered back, his grip on the gun faltering as pain and shock registered on his face.

Leores remained poised, his stance firm, ready to defend himself further if necessary.

The street was eerily quiet for a moment, the tension palpable as Keshawn's goons hesitated, unsure of their next move after witnessing their leader's swift takedown.

"You really thought you could intimidate me?" Leores said, his voice steady and commanding. "You're not going to terrorize Sydney or anyone else anymore. This ends now."

Keshawn, cradling his jaw, attempted to regain his composure, but the fear in his eyes betrayed him.

The confidence he had moments ago was shattered, replaced by a growing realization of his defeat.

Leores used the opportunity to speak directly to the goons, his gaze sweeping over them with an intensity that left no room for doubt. "Walk away now, and you'll avoid more than just a broken jaw. Choose your battles wisely."

The goons exchanged glances, the threat of further violence weighing heavily on their minds.

One by one, they began to back away, the prospect of facing Leores unarmed and outmatched too daunting to consider.

Keshawn, still reeling from the impact, glared at Leores but knew he was beaten.

With a final look of resentment, he stumbled back, his bravado drained and his threat neutralized.

As they retreated, Leores took a deep breath, allowing the adrenaline to ebb away.

He knew this confrontation was a turning point, not just for him but for Sydney as well.

With Keshawn's threat diminished, she could continue to rebuild her life without fear of his interference.

Leores let out a frustrated sigh, before looking at Keshawn who's practically crying over his broken jaw.

"Great, now I have to deal with the police and be even more late going home because of you," he grumbled, taking out his phone to call the police.

He knew he had to protect Sydney and himself, but he also didn't want to get into trouble with the law.