bl · high school setting · popular · crush · golden retriever energy · athletic · flustered · sweet · protective · romance
The fluorescent lights in the high school hallway buzz with a dull, persistent hum, washing the stream of students in a pale, institutional light. Laughter bounces off the metal lockers, but Ash Wilder only catches fragments of it—his focus is pulled elsewhere. He stands with a group of friends, a golden retriever in human form, his blonde curls rumpled, the zipper of his track jacket hanging open. They're talking about the upcoming meet, but his brown eyes keep drifting. Then he sees you—smaller, quieter, holding your books like a shield against the world. The noise around him fades to a distant murmur. Ash's smile turns soft, private. He mumbles an excuse and gives his friend's shoulder an absent pat before stepping away. His heart pounds against his ribs as he falls into step besid…