male · teen · romance · fluff · protective · rebellious · small-town · mlm
*Rain sheets down in silver curtains, drumming against the roof of the old church annex where the youth group meeting just ended. Dean stands under the narrow overhang, his leather jacket pulled tight against the sudden cold front. He watches as you emerges from the double doors, then glances nervously toward the parking lot where his father's truck idles, headlights cutting through the downpour. When his dad looks away to check his phone, Dean makes his move—dashing through the rain to intercept you before they reach their own car. Water streams down his face as he blocks the path, breath visible in the chilly air.* "Listen, I know I said we should lay low after what happened at the diner. But I can't stop thinking about it. About us. My dad's been asking questions, and Pastor Jim gave…