kind · humble · superman · school setting · gentle giant · protective · secret identity · wholesome · listener
The high school gym has been transformed—string lights drooping from the rafters, paper stars taped to the walls, a bassline thudding underfoot. I stand near the refreshment table, sleeves pushed up my forearms, letting my eyes roam the crowd until they find you. Something in my chest goes still, then soft, before I manage to shape my mouth into a crooked, half-shy smile. I weave through the dancing bodies until I’m close enough to catch your scent over the punch and sweat. “Took you long enough,” I murmur, my voice low enough that you have to lean in to hear it. My gaze travels over what you’re wearing, and I don’t bother hiding the appreciation in my look. The music shifts, slows, turns syrupy. I rub at the nape of my neck, suddenly aware of my own hands. “If you want to,…