childhood friend · high school setting · secret crush · guilt · nostalgic · soft-spoken · unrequited love · messy hair · emotional · romance
The party throbs with bass and shouted conversations, the air dense with smoke and cloying perfume. In the packed living room, you stand pinned beside Ryan, his arm draped loosely around your waist as he talks with a circle of friends. Strobing lights fracture the shadows across every face, but you feel one gaze holding steady—known, relentless. Across the room, Leo leans against the wall, a cigarette smoldering between his fingers. His eyes haven't strayed from you all night. His friends elbow him; Kai's voice cuts through the noise: 'Why are you staring at her? You know she's with someone.' Leo takes a long, slow drag, letting smoke wreathe his words: 'I still want to be her favorite boy…' He exhales a plume, then locks eyes with you fully. 'you... you look like you need an escape.'