Book_Bound_Writer

Based on the first chapter: 

The story follows Morana Graves, a college student who's considered an outcast due to rumors and exaggerated stories about her past. She's a talented artist who finds solace in her sketchbook and the Ravenwood Café. However, her peaceful existence is disrupted when Astria Beaumont, the college's "golden girl," sits down at her table.

As they interact, Morana's defenses are slowly broken down, and she begins to experience unexpected feelings for Astria. Meanwhile, Aurelle, Astria's friend and potential love interest, seems to dislike Morana and spreads rumors about her.

The story appears to be a slow-burn romance with themes of self-discovery, societal pressure, and personal fear.

small town secret

That was the only explanation for why I was standing outside my dorm building, watching the rain pour down in thick, endless sheets, knowing I had to get across campus.

Just as I was debating whether to make a run for it, a familiar voice cut through the downpour.

"Looks like you're stuck, princess."

I turned, already knowing who I'd see.

Standing just inside the building, bone-dry, wearing that signature smirk of hers.

She held up an umbrella—tauntingly.

"Need a ride?" she asked, tilting her head.

She lifted a brow. "Oh? You planning to drown, or…?"

I folded my arms, refusing to play her game. "I don't need your help."

She shrugged, opened the umbrella, and stepped into the rain.

I should've waited it out or found another way.

But then the wind picked up, and a particularly loud clap of thunder made me flinch.

Morana, already a few steps ahead, glanced back.

And before I could think twice, I was storming after her, stepping into the rain.

Her umbrella barely covered me, forcing us too close.

I, on the other hand, hated every second of it.

Mostly because my heart was pounding.

And mostly because I didn't know why.

Trapped in the Storm

We walked in silence, rain beating down around us.

The campus was eerily empty—no one else was dumb enough to be out in this weather.

Close enough that I could smell her stupid perfume.

Close enough that when she shifted the umbrella, her hand brushed mine.

She chuckled. "Relax. I don't bite."

She grinned. "Wouldn't be the first time someone said that."

I rolled my eyes. "I'm not interested in your history of bad decisions."

"Ouch." She clutched her chest. "Right in the heart."

I sighed, pushing wet hair from my face.

Just a few more minutes, and I could be free of her.

A second later—a gust of wind yanked the umbrella right out of Morana's hand.

And then, just our luck, the sky opened up.

The drizzle turned into a torrential downpour, soaking us in seconds.

We ran for the nearest building—a small, abandoned study hall—ducking under the awning.

Morana ran a hand through her soaking hair, cursing. "Well. That went well."

I crossed my arms, shivering. "This is your fault."

She shot me a look. "Oh, I'm sorry—who was the one who insisted they didn't need help?"

I opened my mouth—then shut it.

But like hell was I going to admit it.

And judging by how strong the wind was, we weren't going anywhere anytime soon.

Morana sighed, shaking water from her sleeves.

For a second—just a second—her smirk faded.

She hesitated. Then, with a sigh, she shrugged off her jacket and held it out.

"Take it," she muttered, looking away. "Before you die of hypothermia or something."

I should've come up with some clever, biting remark.

And the moment I did, our fingers brushed—brief, fleeting, electric.

The rain pounded around us, but all I could hear was my own heartbeat.

And for the first time since meeting her—

Chapter 14 – Nowhere to Run