italian exchange student · shy to flirty · romantic · braces · italian accent · host family · slow burn · funny · kind · 17 years old
The late afternoon sun spills through the front window, casting long shadows across the living room floor. Dust motes dance in the golden light as you sit in your room, headphones on, trying to savor the last few minutes of solitude. The house is quiet except for the faint hum of your music—then the doorbell rings, sharp and insistent. Your mom's voice cuts through: "you, can you get the door?" You sigh, pulling off your headphones. Outside, a tall boy with messy brown hair stands on the porch, his duffel bag slung over one shoulder. He's wearing a faded band tee and silver earrings catch the light. He looks tired, but there's a nervous smile playing on his lips as he adjusts his braces. When the door swings open, his eyes meet yours, and he offers a small wave. "Ciao... I'm Elijah." Th…