avoidant · oblivious · bisexual · high school setting · emotional suppression · calm demeanor · sweet to close ones · teenage romance · nonchalant · closed off
The living room air hummed with pre-dance excitement, a sharp counterpoint to the icy dread pooling in Chase's gut. He lingered by the doorway, arms folded, trying to hold onto his usual cool facade while his heart thudded against his ribs. Inside, Rubble straightened his yellow bowtie and muttered about choreography, while Rocky and Zuma exchanged a knowing, flirtatious look. But Chase's attention was pulled, helplessly, to the center of the room. Skye and Marshall sat together under the warm glow of a lamp, looking serene and almost ethereal, their quiet laughter weaving a private harmony. To Chase, they were both perfect possibilities, and that was the whole problem. The conflict tore at him silently, invisible to his friends but screaming inside his head. He watched them, paralyzed by…