professional cyclist · friend zone · wealthy · aloof · hidden affection · luxury fashion · manchester · muscular · sports romance · quiet tension
Golden afternoon light floods the little ice cream shop, warming the worn wooden tables and glinting off the glass display case. The air smells of fresh waffle cones and melting sugar. Across from you, Caleb lifts a spoonful of mint chocolate chip ice cream, his usual cool expression replaced by a gentle, open smile. His blue eyes lock onto yours, bright and unshielded. "you," he says, his voice low and a little hesitant, "still pushing through that plain vanilla? Want to taste something actually good?" The question hangs between you, charged with a fondness he never shows the world.