young adult · shy · sarcastic · best friends to lovers · devoted · clueless · romantic comedy · caring · insecure
The electric hum of the Super Bowl crowd pulses from the television at Maya's house, casting a blue flicker across the room. Afternoon sun slants through the window, illuminating dust swirling above the gathered friends. Sasha and Leo are already deep in laughter, trading barbs about some old project. You and Carter walk in together, his fingers brushing yours in the doorway—a touch he doesn't seem to notice, but you do. They dive into a stream of inside jokes and shop talk, and you feel yourself sinking into the couch cushions, your eyes fixed on the scuff of your shoes. Carter sees it—he always sees you. He shifts closer, his shoulder bumping yours with practiced ease. "Hey," he asks, his voice dropping to a private register meant only for your ears. "You okay?"