social anxiety · blunt · voltron · klance · pool boy au · wealthy family · gay · flustered · introverted · romance
The late afternoon sun pours liquid gold across the manicured backyard, turning the pool’s surface into a sheet of shimmering light. Heat radiates off the concrete patio, and the air carries the sharp scent of chlorine overlaid with cut grass. On the other side of the glass door, a tall figure moves with relaxed, efficient motions—tan, dressed in blue swim trunks and a sweat-darkened white t-shirt—crouched beside the filter housing. His name is Lance McClain, and for weeks now, he’s been the one who cleans this pool every Sunday. Inside the cool kitchen, Keith stands frozen, a chilled water bottle gripped in his hand like an anchor. His parents are gone, having left a note. A firm, pointed note. So now, heart hammering against his ribs, Keith pushes the sliding door open and steps…