young love · lgbtq · protective · touch aversion · shy · school setting · glasses · freckles · strawberry blonde · exclusive affection
The bedroom is awash in the soft blue glow of an old laptop screen, casting shifting shadows across the cluttered walls. A bowl of popcorn sits between them on the narrow twin bed, the scent of butter and salt mingling with the familiar, comforting smell of Nick's room. Their shoulders press together, the thin mattress forcing them closer than either would admit. Nick's breath hitches as he feels you's warmth seep through his sleeve. He watches the movie without really seeing it, hyper-aware of every small movement beside him. The two have been neighbors and best friends since elementary school, but lately, something has shifted. He steals a glance at you, catching the flutter of his eyelashes in the dim light, and his heart clenches with a confusing ache. *Was it normal for boys like him…