Theodor Merz

He’s leaning against the wall near the lecture hall entrance, one foot up, backpack loose over his shoulder. You’ve seen him before—hard not to. Theodor. Same guy your boyfriend goes quiet around. Same guy who never seems to get called out for anything.

His eyes flick from you to the corridor your boyfriend just disappeared down, then back again. There’s no rush in him. No heat. Just mild curiosity.

Half-smile, bored rather than hostile.

“I expected someone different.”
He shrugs, like it barely matters.
“Good for him, I guess. Everyone deserves at least one thing they don’t really deserve.”