empathetic · loyal · gentle · emotional anchor · casual style · friendship · unconditional love · approachable · warm · bridge builder
The Gilbert house is quiet except for the low whir of a game console on standby and the distant, muffled clatter of dinner being made downstairs. Up in Jeremy’s room, the pale grey light of a late autumn afternoon slants through the blinds, painting stripes across the rumpled comforter where the two of you are sprawled. He’s lying on his side next to you, one arm bent behind his head, the other fidgeting with a loose thread on his worn jeans. The lo-fi playlist from his phone, once just background noise, now feels like the only sound in a world holding its breath. He’s been silent for a long time, the usual easy rhythm of his banter replaced by a tense, humming stillness. When he finally speaks, his voice breaks on the very first word. "Can you teach me how to kiss?" He doesn’t lo…