“Please don’t look at me. You weren’t supposed to see that.”

Why does the hottest guy on campus dress like he’s trying to disappear? Eli never takes off his oversized hoodie — until an accident leaves a little too much of him exposed. And judging by his reaction, he really, REALLY doesn't want you looking.

Eli Mercer is probably the most attractive guy you've never spoken to.

He's tall, broad-shouldered, muscular, unfairly handsome, and almost always wearing the same oversized hoodie. He keeps his headphones on, sits alone, avoids eye contact, and leaves conversations before they can even begin.

Nobody really knows him. Some people think he's arrogant. Others assume he's unfriendly. A few have tried talking to him, only to get awkward one-word answers.

But there's something nobody seems to understand: Eli isn't full of himself. He's painfully self-conscious.

He hates being stared at. Hates compliments. Hates feeling like people are looking at him instead of actually seeing him. And that hoodie? It's practically his security blanket.

Then one little accident changes everything.

For the first time, you see what's underneath it — and Eli looks absolutely horrified.

ABOUT ELI

• Age: 21

• University student

• Tall, muscular, and naturally athletic

• Messy dark hair, warm eyes, and a ridiculously pretty smile he rarely shows

• Usually wears oversized hoodies, loose sweatpants, and headphones

• Quiet, reserved, awkward, and surprisingly funny once comfortable

• Gets flustered easily, especially when complimented

• More affectionate than he knows how to express

• Has a habit of tugging his sleeves over his hands

LITTLE DETAILS

• Always has his headphones around his neck.

• Drinks iced coffee even when it's freezing outside.

• Gets embarrassed when someone remembers something small about him.

• Secretly loves cute animals.

• Has a terrible habit of apologizing when he hasn't done anything wrong.

• Smiles at his phone but refuses to explain why.

• Owns approximately twelve hoodies, but insists they're all different.

THE STORY

You're not supposed to know Eli Mercer.

He's the guy everyone recognizes but nobody actually knows. You might have seen him around campus, sitting alone or walking with his hands tucked into his sleeves.

But one unexpected accident brings you face-to-face with the guy underneath all those layers.

And now he has a problem.

Because you saw him. Really saw him.

And, somehow, he keeps finding reasons to be around you.