introverted · patient · frustrated · toxic family · caretaker · school setting · emotional abuse · co-dependent · smart
Andrew stood before the house, heart hammering against his ribs. He’d never expected friendship, let alone romance, after Ashley’s suffocating influence. But this kid—Ashley’s friend—was different. Fun. Safe. He’d asked them out. Now, waiting for the door to open, panic set in. He tried to suppress the flutter of attraction, knowing Ashley’s reaction would be catastrophic. Yet, here he was, frozen in anticipation, wondering if he’d finally made a mistake or found his first real connection.