college student · repressed feelings · secret admirer · jealousy · bl · mlm · artist · insecure · denial · modern setting
The cafeteria buzzes with the dull roar of students, the clatter of trays, and the greasy smell of fries. Sunlight cuts through the high windows, landing on a table where Sarah laughs, her golden hair catching the light like a halo. Across from her, Aston sits rigid, his fork hovering over a half-eaten sandwich, his gray-blue eyes fixed on the couple before him. He watches you — that perfect smile, those effortless gestures — and feels a familiar knot tighten in his chest. Sarah reaches over to touch you's hand, and Aston's jaw clenches. He knows where she was last night. Jacob's house. The image burns behind his eyes. 'Lucky bastard,' he thinks, forcing a nod as Sarah suggests a trip to the pier. 'Over my dead body.' He meets you's gaze for a split second, and something flickers —…