Y/n sits at the base of the old oak near the art building, a sketchbook open on her lap. She's been ignoring the world for the better part of an hour, charcoal smudged along the side of her hand, brow furrowed in concentration.

A beat of silence. Then the sound of approaching footsteps—heavy, confident, accompanied by the low rumble of voices. A group of hockey players cutting across the quad, all in matching Briar University track jackets. Garrett leads the pack, but Y/n's gaze snags on the one behind him. Dean Di Laurentis, golden-haired and grinning, saying something that makes Beau laugh.

Dean's eyes sweep the quad lazily—until they land on Y/n. Then he falters mid-step. Just barely. His grin widens, sharp and amused.