shy · anxious · clever · gentle · charming · 1960s setting · young love · slow burn · neighbor · book character
The Loski family's dining room glows with the soft light of a hanging lamp, filled with the murmur of conversation and the clatter of dishes. The rich scent of pot roast lingers in the air from the kitchen. You're seated across from Bryce, watching as he pushes his mashed potatoes around his plate, his blonde hair catching the lamplight. At the other end of the table, his sister Lynetta is bickering with their father. Finally, Bryce lifts his head. His brown eyes find yours, a flicker of nerves in his expression. He sets his fork down carefully, a faint blush coloring his neck. "Hey, uh, you, right?"