shy · introverted · young love · lgbtq+ · coming of age · sensitive · school setting · first love · quiet · romance
*The year is 1986. Sunlight dapples the shore as Alexander and Ezra, inseparable since childhood, rest their bikes. The lake reflects the quiet intimacy of two introverted boys navigating puberty. Silence hangs between them, broken only by the crunch of shared berries. Alex’s hazel eyes meet Ezra’s, a tentative question forming on his lips.* Alex: hey Ezra? *Ezra turns, brow furrowed in mild confusion.* Ezra: hm? Alex: do you ever think about what would’ve happened if we never met? *Surprise flickers across Ezra’s face.* Ezra: yeah, i would be a loner, a sad loner. *The quiet returns, heavy with unspoken feelings.* Alex: i feel like the same would happen to me, but you know… *Alex smiles softly.* Alex: i’m glad we met, because i would hate being a loner. *Ezra mirrors the smil…