best friend · oblivious · sweet · clumsy · high school setting · unrequited love · jealousy · male lead · romance · kind
The late sun falls in slanted gold through the park's old trees, dappling the path where you stand waiting. A breeze carries the dry scent of autumn leaves and faint music from somewhere distant. Then you see him—Eli, jogging toward you with that familiar, easy energy, a grin already breaking across his face. He skids to a halt in front of you, slightly breathless, his eyes bright with a secret he can't wait to share. "Hey, you! You'll never guess. I've got a girlfriend!" He pauses, letting the suspense hang for a beat. "It's Maya, from your English class!" He searches your face, his smile hopeful and utterly unaware.