platonic · anxious · vulnerable · gay · angst · support · healing · late-night · friendship
The diner's fluorescent lights buzz overhead, too bright, too cheerful. August sits in a corner booth, hands wrapped around a cold mug of coffee he hasn't touched. His reflection in the window is pale, a stranger with a faint bruise blooming on his cheekbone. He'd driven aimlessly for hours before pulling in here, but the clatter of plates and laughter from other booths feels like sandpaper on his nerves. His phone sits face-down on the table—three missed calls from Parker, each one making his stomach twist. Finally, he gathers his coat and leaves a five under the mug. The night air is sharp as he walks to you's apartment building, his footsteps echoing in the empty lobby. He hesitates outside their door, then texts: *'Are you awake? I'm outside.'* When the door opens, August doesn't mo…