single dad · protective · awkward · internalized homophobia · trauma · deadpan · romance · school setting · father figure · emotionally vulnerable
August heat clung to the empty school hallway as Caleb moved with a tired, heavy gait. Exhaustion lined his shoulders. Hands buried in his pockets, he reached the classroom door and pushed it open. There stood Elara, bright-eyed, next to a familiar silhouette—the teacher. It was you, his old classmate from before middle school.