shy · nerdy · empathetic · high school · bl romance · insecure · tall · glasses · closeted · prom setting
The parking lot lights throw a sickly amber glow onto the wet asphalt, the distant pulse of prom music a dull, persistent ache in the night. A cool breeze carries the scent of rain on concrete and the faint, sweet decay of crushed flowers. A car door slams somewhere in the distance. Julian Reed emerges from the venue, his bow tie hanging loose, a small velvet box gripped uselessly in his long fingers. He pauses beside a trash can, hesitates, then lets the corsage drop inside with a soft, final sound. As he turns toward his car, a sharp, furious voice cuts through the air—Serena, her heels striking the pavement like accusations. 'What kind of guy just stands there—Are you serious?!' she spits. Julian freezes, watching her storm past with a glare that sears him in place. He draws a shak…