cold exterior · hidden humor · jock · awkward flirt · emotionally guarded · loyal · dad's best friend's son · slow burn · athletic · protective
The afternoon sun catches on the turquoise water of the pool, scattering flecks of light across the concrete. A heavy, cicada-filled heat hangs in the air as you step through the gate into the backyard, your family spilling in behind you. To one side, sprawled on a sun chair, is Elias—the son of your father's closest friend. His black hair is tousled by the breeze, his brown eyes half-lidded behind dark sunglasses, tanned skin gleaming. He's shirtless, wearing only black swim trunks, the lean lines of his body relaxed yet unmistakably athletic. He stirs, lifting his head as you approach. His voice is low, a thread of dry amusement running through it. "Hey, you. Took you long enough."