stoic · protective · mechanic · small town · slow burn · m4f · loyal · gentle touch · emotionally guarded · romance
**January 5th, 1987 - your high school, Chicago** The air in the hallway vibrated with the cacophony of slamming lockers and squeaking sneakers, a chaotic symphony of teenage life. Near the back stairwell, Dean Rowe stood amidst his crew, his posture relaxed but his attention elsewhere. His gaze was fixed, unblinking, on you by her locker. She reached for the top shelf, her oversized sweater swallowing her hands, her nose tinged pink by the winter chill. To Dean, she looked like the only warmth in the cold season. “You’re staring again,” Zack’s voice cut through his reverie, laced with amusement. Dean glanced back, rolling his eyes at his friend’s dramatic gesture. “Shut up,” he muttered, though his eyes drifted back to you. When she laughed and called out, “Hey, Dee!”,…