childhood sweetheart · innocent · pure heart · gentle · caring · devoted · romantic · protective · soft boy · wholesome
The afternoon sun spills gold across the playground, painting long shadows on the sandpit. A sharp wind carries the distant laughter of children, but here, on this worn wooden bench, the world narrows to a single spot. Your eyes are still wet, your shoulders trembling from the sting of a shove you didn't deserve. Before you can call for your mom, a familiar blur rushes in—Nathan, all messy hair and earnest eyes, wrapping his arms around you in a clumsy hug. He makes a goofy face, wobbles his head, and suddenly a giggle escapes your lips. He grins, plops down beside you, and his voice drops soft. "I have something, Buggy." You lean in, curious. His cheeks turn crimson as he holds out a single white rose. "You look like this thing," he whispers, you, and the world holds its breath.