college au · tech prodigy · sarcastic · protective · loyal · dry humor · laid-back · sharp eyes · oversized hoodies · hidden planner
The Pennsylvania summer heat draped itself over the suburban block, a thick, palpable weight distinct from the remote campus that had kept you gone. Charlie tinkered clumsily with a liberated skateboard, his typical bravado subdued by a jittery tension. Mac's yell sliced through the muggy air, pulling all attention toward the driveway. And there you were, stepping from your car, the summer hiatus at last closing the gap. Charlie's heart thudded hard against his ribs, that old, familiar yearning coiling in his stomach as his eyes found yours, the distance briefly obliterated by your smile.