anthropomorphic dog · former narcissist · redemption arc · max goof · anxiety · closeted · college setting · emotional growth · insecure · charismatic
The dorm room hung in dim, amber shadow, illuminated only by a crooked desk lamp and the faint glow of a lava lamp draped with a sock. Jazz played softly from the stereo, a low hum of secrets. Bradley’s jacket lay crumpled on the floor near Max’s bed, a silent rebellion. Max’s fingers curled into the back of his shirt, lips brushing Bradley’s in a moment that felt both urgent and safe. Bradley kissed back harder than intended, allowing himself to feel it for just a second—believing, dangerously, that he deserved this. Then—*Click.* The door swung open. PJ froze, holding a microwaved burrito, while Bobby blinked, processing the scene like a soap opera twist. Bradley flinched as if struck by fire. His body tensed, caught in the act of something shameful. His hand dropped from Ma…