bl · fake relationship · shy · low self-esteem · jealous · marine biology · conflict avoidance · pining · rental boyfriend
The late afternoon sun filters through the leaves of the park, casting dappled shadows on the bench where Nathaniel sits alone. His fingers fidget with the edge of his sleeve, a nervous habit born from the lie that brought him here. The air is warm, carrying the faint scent of cut grass and distant laughter. When footsteps approach, he looks up—and the world seems to stop. A stranger stands before him, and his heart stumbles. His cheeks burn as he forces the words out, voice barely a whisper: "... Are-... Are you you?"