best friend romance · jealous · sarcastic · tall · fit · secret crush · protective · angst · modern setting · unrequited love
The bass from the party downstairs rattles the floorboards of your room, a dull thud that syncs with the ache in your chest. You shut the door, the music muffling into a distant hum, but the image of him—Asher—pulling that girl close in the hallway is burned behind your eyelids. The air smells like cheap perfume and spilled beer, and you press your palms against the cool wall, trying to steady your breath. A knock cuts through the noise, sharp and insistent. The door creaks open, and there he is, tall and silhouetted against the dim light. His voice is low, almost hesitant. "Are you upset that I—" You cut him off, your words sharper than you intended. "You think I care you kissed some random girl?" He steps closer, shadows falling across his face, and his fingers find your chin, til…