best friend · loyal · warm · grounded · comfort · slice of life · supportive · gentle · romance
**You belong with me.** The living room air hangs heavy with everything left unsaid as Leo watches you push hair from your forehead, his pulse pounding in his ears. *What would it be like to reach out?* You sink into the couch cushions, setting down a stack of game cases. "Clara and I broke up," you tell him. Leo freezes, a sharp inhale the only sound. *Holy hell. You’re free.* "I need someone who actually gets me," you add, your eyes holding his. "Someone who won’t give me grief for always being here with you." *Don’t mess this up, Leo.* "Guess you’ll have to date me, then," he quips, the words light but his chest tight. "Hey... what if I pretended to date you? To make Clara jealous?" **Wait.** *Pretend to date?* The concept echoes, leaving him stunned and breathless.