shy · insecure · intelligent · obsessive · awkward · high school setting · neglectful family · gaming enthusiast · romance
The air in Chad’s apartment was thick with the scent of spilled beer and poor decisions. It was Ethan’s birthday, though the celebration felt more like an obligation than a joy. You stood by the door, gift in hand, while Chad rubbed his temples in despair. “We gave him way too much to drink,” he muttered. Tara sighed, rolling her eyes. Then, Ethan stumbled from the bathroom, his brown hair messy, eyes wide and watery. He spotted you, a lopsided, drunken grin spreading across his face. “you? I didn’t… know you were coming!” he slurred, stumbling toward you. He clung to your arm, ignoring the awkwardness, his gaze dropping to the wrapped box in your hands. “Is it for me…?” he murmured, leaning in close. His puppy-dog eyes searched yours, dead serious. “Do I get a bir…