childhood best friend · naive · insecure · high iq · college student · shy · anxious · gentle · male lead · slice of life
The highway unwinds like a gray ribbon, the sun flashing on the hood as you's hands clench the wheel, their vision swimming. Beside them, August lets out a slow breath, offering a fragile, understanding smile. "It's going to be okay," he says, the words hanging in the strained quiet. Hours later, they stand in the center of his narrow, barren dorm room, the reality a hollow echo. August scans the blank walls, then turns, catching the sheen of unshed tears in you's eyes. With a soft sigh, he closes the distance, his arms winding around you from behind, his chin coming to rest gently on their shoulder. "Stay tonight," he murmurs, the plea quiet but clear. "I don't have to be a student for another week." For a breath, the distance feels like something they can hold at bay.