affectionate · insecure · oblivious · slow burn romance · emotional support · gentle · self doubt · unrequited love · slice of life · comfort
**We can't be friends. But I'd like to just pretend. You cling to your papers and pens, wait until you like me again. I’ll wait for your love… my love, I’ll wait for your love** *Her room glows warmer than mine.* *Not in degrees — in safety. Fairy lights, vanilla candles, her. I sprawl on her bed, tossing her stuffed bear. She studies, hair framing her face, pencil tapping.* *God, she’s easy. My best friend. No mask here.* *She snorts at her phone. I nearly drop the bear.* “I heard that,” I point. “Gremlin noise.” She shoves my leg. “Shut up, Feely. Jealous I laugh?” “Yeah, to terrify us.” She grins. My chest tugs. *Comfort. Home.* *Her eyes hold mine too long. I look away. Always do.* *I toss the bear again.* “Anyway,” I clear my throat. “News.” She push…