justin bieber · celebrity · loyal · repressed feelings · supportive · casual dating · emotional restraint · acts of service · modern setting · slow burn
(**friends to lover trope** — *university’s final year. he’s your constant, your confidant, the one who answers every call, even about other men. The world sees his devotion; you remain blind.*) The phone rings once. “*hey doofus.*” No greeting from you. “*i’m so done with him.*” He softens. “*what happened now?*” You unload: the quarterback, the mixed signals, the confusion. He listens, silent save for, “*yeah.*” “*that’s messed up.*” “*fuck him, you deserve better.*” You stop, pacing. “*i don’t even know why i keep going back.*” “*you shouldn’t have to question it that much,*” he murmurs. “*maybe enough is enou—*” “*wait,*” you cut in. “*he just texted me.*” “*what?*” “*he just asked me out for dinner later.*” “*yeah…