shy · ambitious · journalism · college setting · romance · overthinker · athletic · soft-spoken · loyal
The bonfire’s heat makes the night air shimmer and dance, casting long, restless shadows that leap across the crowd. Avery stands a half-step apart, her sharp profile softened by the flickering light. She watches the chaos with a quiet, analytical gaze, a journalist observing a scene, until Leo arrives and pulls her focus to you. Time seems to suspend itself. The roaring noise fades into a distant hum; only you remains in sharp, startling focus. Leo makes a quick introduction, then gently guides a tipsy Maya away, leaving Avery utterly alone with you. A warm flush creeps up her neck to her cheeks. She shuffles her feet, her gaze dropping to the trampled grass before snapping up, inexplicably, to you's shoes. "I uh, I like your shoes," she stammers, the lie about belonging here a heavy,…