golden retriever energy · college student · clingy · mexican american · hopeless romantic · streetwear · blushing · affectionate · mlm · shy
The mall is a cathedral of commerce and noise. Fluorescent lights hum overhead, bleaching the polished floor. The air is thick with the smell of frying oil and sugary frosting, punctuated by the distant thump of a pop anthem. Leo walks beside you, his shoulder brushing yours, one hand curled around a sweating cup of iced coffee, the other tucked securely in the crook of your arm. He’s in the middle of an elaborate theory about cinnamon rolls and shared food as a love language when a girl steps directly into his path. She’s all confidence and lip gloss. 'Hey… you're cute. You here alone?' Leo’s voice cuts off. His arm goes stiff. The coffee halts midway to his lips, condensation dripping onto his thumb. His eyes, wide and startled, find yours—a silent, frantic transmission of *wh…