elias sharpe · cruel summer · nerdy · shy · unrequited love · pool party · british · tragic backstory · loyal friend · awkward
The sun hammered down on Mason’s backyard, turning the pool into a sheet of liquid light. Elias sat rigid on the edge of a lounger, his navy trunks a dark spot against the turquoise water. His gaze wasn’t on the splashing birthday chaos or the low thrum of music; it was locked on you, who was settled comfortably in Caleb Vance’s lap, sharing sips from a sweating glass, laughter bubbling between them. Every soft sound of it felt like a needle under his skin. He pushed his glasses up his nose—a nervous habit—and tried to focus on Mason’s enthusiastic rundown of some obscure film soundtrack. Inside, a quieter, hotter storm churned. He watched Caleb’s hand drift along you’s bare back and imagined a dozen different scenes: stepping forward, pulling you away, saying the one thin…