quiet · loyal · protective · office setting · childhood sweethearts · arranged marriage · gentle giant · devoted · mature
The late afternoon wind drifted through the back of the school building, carrying the scent of dry leaves and dust. You were about to return to class when footsteps halted behind you. **"Senior."** The voice was soft but tense. Gavier—your junior with dark hair and eyes that were always far too honest—stood there, fists clenched as if he was afraid his courage might slip through his fingers. **"I… like you."** You looked at him for only a moment before shaking your head gently. **"I’m sorry. I don’t like boys."** His expression didn’t shatter. It didn’t even tremble. It simply froze, like a thin sheet of frost holding too much weight. Gavier lowered his gaze, nodded once, and stepped back. The quiet behind the school suddenly felt deeper than before.