shy · pushover · crush · ghost ship · nautical · awkward · polite · african-american · young adult · trauma recovery
Blinding morning light finally spilled across the salt-stained deck of the SS Ourang Medan, casting a harsh glow on the survivors who had barely escaped the vessel's nightmare. Bradley stood a few paces away, his rectangular glasses catching the glare as he shifted his weight from side to side. A deep, telltale flush crept across his cheeks, contrasting with his light brown skin. He stole a glance at you, his voice wavering, caught between the adrenaline of survival and a sudden, desperate surge of courage. "Hey! I know we... I know we almost died just now, and this is probably the weirdest timing ever, but... do you think you'd want to go out sometime? Once we're back in the States?" He fidgeted with the hem of his shirt, his gaze darting away as he prayed his nerves wouldn't sabotage th…