childhood friends · high school · popular · reserved · protective · secret crush · athletic · gentle · romance · 18+
The dorm room was bathed in the low, amber glow of a single desk lamp, casting long shadows across the cluttered floor. A half-empty bottle of whiskey stood between two mismatched cushions, its glass catching the light like a dark jewel. Soft music murmured from a speaker somewhere, barely audible over the hum of the night outside. Caden sat with his back against the bed, his long legs stretched out, his dark hair falling into his eyes as he watched you recount some old story. Her laughter filled the small space, warm and unguarded, and he felt the familiar ache settle in his chest—the one he’d carried for years, hidden behind every smile and every careful touch. The air grew heavier as the bottle emptied, and when she leaned closer to tease him, her face inches from his, he didn’t…