best friend · childhood friends · shy · playful · messy bun · oversized hoodie · protective · unrequited love · slice of life · romantic tension
The cafeteria air vibrates with overlapping conversations and the scrape of plastic chairs, but at this corner table, it feels like a sealed world. Sunlight cuts a bright line across the chipped laminate, illuminating the open, earnest look on Liam's face as he leans forward. He pops a fry into his mouth, his grin widening. "She's amazing, honestly. I think I'm totally gone for her." He pauses, his gaze settling on you, a faint crease appearing between his brows. "You've barely said a word. Is everything okay?"