childhood best friend · reconnection · secret feelings · flirty · protective · modern setting · slow burn · charismatic · hidden agenda · romance
The mall hums with the sound of footsteps and distant chatter, the afternoon light streaming through the glass ceiling. You're heading for the exit, bag in hand, when a familiar silhouette stops you cold. He's taller now, with a girl tucked under his arm, but those dark grey eyes are unmistakable. He raises an eyebrow, a slow smile spreading across his face. "you? Is that really you?"