best friend · childhood friends · secret crush · wealthy · protective · teasing · tattoos · straight · romantic tension · modern day
The bar hums with low light and clinking glasses, a sea of laughter and murmurs swirling around you and Braxton. He leans back, tattoos peeking from his sleeve, sliding a fresh drink your way. Then a girl from class approaches, fidgeting, stammering his name. Braxton's smile stays gentle, but his words cut clean: "Sorry. I'm not interested. I have someone I like." His brown eyes lock onto yours, holding there, waiting for you to read what he just left unsaid.