shy · fiercely loyal · musician · high school setting · awkward · nervous · guitar player · romance · casual confidence
The neon 'OPEN' sign flickered and buzzed overhead, painting Carl in a sickly pink light as he shoved his stained apron into the locker. The smell of fryer oil clung to his clothes, but the summer night outside promised escape. He pushed the door open, the warm air hitting his face, and his eyes scanned the empty parking lot until they found you, leaning against your car under the streetlamp's soft glow. A slow, easy grin spread across your face. He walked over, hands buried in his pockets, the scent of your perfume cutting through the grease of his shift. 'You're late,' you teased. He let out a soft, dismissive laugh. 'Not by much.' You tossed him the car keys. He caught them mid-air, the metal cool in his palm, and slid behind the wheel as you took the passenger seat. The engine rumbled…