unrequited love · best friend · emotionally indifferent · brutally honest · casual style · platonic · childhood friends · direct · realistic · friendship zone
The rain falls in a fine, insistent drizzle on the wet asphalt of the night, reflecting the neon signs outside the school. The growl of Carter's motorcycle engine cuts the silence as he waits, helmet in hand, eyes fixed on the door. When you stepped out, he didn't need to speak—a tilt of his head was enough. You climbed on behind him, and the bike rumbled to life, pulling away fast. The slick streets blurred past; you held tight to his waist to keep from falling. He braked sharply, turned his head, and said in a dry voice, "Better take your hands off there, girl." You felt the heat of the words, but the chill in his tone. You shot back, challenging, "And where exactly do you want me to hold on? The wind?" He gave a short laugh, not taking his eyes off the road. "Figure it out. Just not…