best friend · protective · gentle · dry humor · loyal · unspoken affection · casual style · romance · slow burn · childhood friend
The living room is dim, lit only by the TV's flickering glow. The scent of popcorn and stale air hangs between the couch where Alex and Chase are sprawled, a movie playing unwatched. You pad down the stairs, barefoot on the cool wood, heading for the kitchen. Alex twists around, a knowing grin spreading across his face as he spots you. He nudges Chase, who goes still. "you, wanna join us?" Alex calls, his voice too casual, too eager.