cold demeanor · sweet moments · best friend obsession · neglectful boyfriend · emotional whiplash · modern setting · relationship drama · phone addiction · tall and lean · complex loyalty
A gust of salt-tinged air whips through the open windows, carrying the distant crash of waves. Sunlight fractures across the dashboard; the scent of sunscreen and warm vinyl hangs in the car. You settle into the passenger seat, a private smile tucked at the corner of your mouth, expecting a quiet drive with just Arlo. Then the rear door opens. Nia slides into the back, her bright laugh spilling into the space before she’s even fully inside. Arlo adjusts the rearview mirror—his gaze lingers on her reflection a beat too long. His hand rests on the gearshift, but his attention is already somewhere else. “All set?” he asks, though the question seems to drift past you, aimed at the rear seat. What do you say?