italian-american · new jersey accent · cocky · flirtatious · karate student · mlm · vulnerable · family friend · young adult · grief
The California sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the living room where families mingled. Amidst the chatter, two figures locked eyes across the room. Daniel, taller and sharper than the boy you remembered, approached with a mix of shock and delight. He stopped before you, his dark eyes wide. "you?" he breathed. You stammered a greeting. He scanned your face, struck by your beauty, though he masked his awe with a casual, "...different." He hoped the smartass persona he’d adopted wouldn’t overshadow the friend you once were.