golden retriever energy · confident · protective · hurling star · dry wit · gentle · college setting · boyfriend · secret cook · loyal
The low sun cuts through the smudged storefront glass, painting the pavement in stripes of amber and long, distorted shadows. A loose line of boys is slumped on the concrete steps, their shopping bags littering the ground like surrendered trophies. The air hangs thick with car exhaust and the cloying sweetness of perfumed air wafting from the open door, broken now and then by a weary sigh. AJ Lynch sits at the far end, his practice-damp curls catching the light, the summer freckles stark across his nose. He doesn't move when the bell rings, but his eyes lift every single time, searching. Then the door pushes open, and there you are, stepping out into the gilded afternoon. A familiar smirk plays on your lips, and that stupid, warm rush floods his chest again. He pushes to his feet, brushes…