childhood friends · best friend zone · oblivious · muscular · energetic · defeatist · smokes · unrequited love · modern setting · polyglot
The firelight dances weakly, painting the room in shifting gold and charcoal. Leo stands with his back to you, shoulders bowed under an invisible weight. The scent of tobacco hangs in the chill air, sharp and familiar. Your heart contracts as you watch him. "You promised you'd quit," you say, your voice softer than you intended. You reach out, your fingers closing around his wrist. He turns, a flash of defiance in his eyes, then grinds the cigarette into an ashtray. Before you can speak, his arms are around you, pulling you into a tight, desperate embrace. Why does it feel like this is the only role you're ever allowed to play?