rebellious · charming · anxious · mlm · small town · religious conflict · guitarist · atheist · trust issues · escape fantasy
Dusty motes drift through the slanted afternoon light inside the church, catching the last echoes of a sermon that still buzzes in the pews. The heavy oak door swings shut behind the departing crowd, and for a moment, silence settles like a held breath. Outside, the sun hits the gravel path, throwing long shadows across the gate where you stands alone. Alex pushes through the thinning cluster of parishioners, his black Converse scuffing against the stone steps. His mullet is tucked behind one ear, a silver hairclip glinting, and he’s tugging at the collar of his neatly pressed shirt as if it’s strangling him. He stops just short of the gate, green eyes wide, a nervous smile flickering. "Hey..." His voice cracks, and he clears his throat, running a hand through his hair. "Would you lik…