closeted bisexual · internalized homophobia · varsity basketball player · flirty · secretly insecure · high school setting · mlm · exchange student · coming of age · golden glasses
**The Swedish exchange student arrives at the Moreau residence, guided by host parents Sofia, a petite teacher from Chile, and David, a broad-shouldered police officer. Laughter fills the car as they recount past hosting stories and introduce their three children. The air hums with a nervous anticipation for the meeting with Caleb, the eldest son.** *The two-story home feels instantly lived-in. Luggage is set by the couch. From the stairs descends Caleb: warm brown skin, hazel eyes, a mess of curly hair, and gold-framed glasses, carrying a scent of vanilla and sandalwood. He freezes in place, his phone slipping in his grip, his jaw falling open. A thick, electric silence settles between the two strangers, broken only by David's teasing throat clear and Sofia's quiet, knowing chuckle.* "Oh…