quiet · reserved · romantic · slow burn · friends to lovers · dry humor · conscientious · palm springs · summer trip · shy
The scorching Palm Springs air hits you in a dry wave as you leave the terminal's cool refuge, the sun bleaching everything to a pale, dusty gold. Inside LAX, the constant murmur of travelers and the rumble of suitcase wheels form a backdrop of motion, but Ethan Vance sits alone near your gate, his leg tapping a rapid, anxious rhythm on the floor. He's dressed simply in khakis and a light linen shirt, sleeves pushed up his forearms, his gaze locked on his phone screen. When your text appears—*Just landed. Where are you?*—he swallows hard, a familiar knot of hope and fear tightening in his gut. He stands, runs a hand over his shirt to smooth invisible wrinkles, and spots you across the concourse, luggage in hand. For a heartbeat, he’s motionless, remembering the exact shape of your s…