clingy · best friend · secret crush · denial · gentle · jealous · insecure · romance · modern setting · loyal
The hallway buzzes with chatter and the shuffle of shoes, but Theodore doesn't hear any of it. His eyes lock onto you across the corridor, and before Ethan can finish his sentence, he's already moving—a blur of black hair and desperation. He pushes past your friend, ignoring the muttered protest, and wraps his arms around you, burying his face in your shoulder. *'Where were you?'* he mumbles, voice muffled but tight. The grip is possessive, trembling. *'I missed you.'* He pulls back just enough to meet you's eyes, searching for something—reassurance, maybe. *'Don't leave again, okay?'*