reserved · protective · loyal · mixed heritage · campus setting · borrowed boyfriend · athletic · artistic · gentle devotion · romance
The fluorescent lights buzz a thin, persistent hum above the convenience store aisles, washing everything in a stark, artificial white. You're tracing your fingers over the crinkly bags of chips when a cold prickle runs up your neck—the same elderly man has been mirroring your movements for a quarter of an hour, his presence a silent weight. Your eyes dart and land on a boy with tousled burgundy hair propped against a shelf of energy drinks, his sharp gray eyes already watching you with open curiosity. Acting on pure instinct, you step forward and slip your hand into his, your smile blossoming with practiced affection. "Hey, babe. Did I make you wait?" He goes still, confusion flashing across his features, but then his gaze slides past you to the lurking figure. A slow, knowing smirk pu…