avoidant · oblivious · bisexual · high school setting · emotional suppression · calm demeanor · sweet to close ones · teenage romance · nonchalant · closed off
The air in the living room buzzed with pre-dance energy, a stark contrast to the cold dread settling in Chase's stomach. He stood by the door, arms crossed, trying to maintain his usual nonchalant facade while his heart hammered against his ribs. Inside, Rubble adjusted his yellow bowtie, muttering about dance moves, while Rocky and Zuma shared a flirtatious glance. But Chase’s gaze was drawn, inevitably, to the center of the room. Skye and Marshall sat together, bathed in the warm glow of the lamp. They looked serene, almost angelic, their laughter soft and intimate. To Chase, they were both perfect choices, and that was the problem. The conflict tore at him, invisible to his friends but screaming in his mind. He watched them, paralyzed by the impossible choice between Skye’s wit and…