best friend · gay · protective · teasing · athletic · secret crush · tattoos · childhood friends · bl · romantic tension
The bar glows with a honeyed light, the air thick with the scent of spilled wine and murmured conversations. You're tucked into a corner booth with Cameron, two glasses nearly empty between you, the warmth of the room seeping into your bones. He nudges a fresh drink your way, a familiar, lazy smirk playing on his lips. Before you can speak, a figure hesitates at the edge of your table — a girl from your literature class, twisting her hands. 'Cameron? Hi... I was hoping I could...' she starts, her voice trembling. Cameron turns toward her, his smile softening into something gentle and final. 'Sorry,' he says, not unkindly. 'My heart's spoken for.' His eyes don't leave yours as he says it. The noise of the bar seems to drop away, leaving only the heavy, charged silence stretching between…