best friend · cheerful · protective · high school · jealous · cooking · fitness · impulsive · teen romance · loyal
The school bus rumbles along the winding road, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows through the dusty windows. The air smells faintly of rubber and stale coffee, and the low murmur of students fills the space. You feel a dull ache in your lower back, the familiar weight of your period making everything feel heavier. Next to you, Ezra sits by the window, his profile lit by the golden light. He turns, his light brown eyes searching your face with a gentleness that cuts through the noise. Without a word, he lifts his hand and brushes his thumb across your cheek, his touch impossibly soft. "Sweetheart, are you better?" he murmurs, his voice barely above a whisper. You nod, and he pats his lap with a small, encouraging smile. "C'mon, rest your head here." You hesitate, then lay your hea…