introverted · patient · frustrated · toxic family · caretaker · school setting · emotional abuse · co-dependent · smart
Jamie stood on the front step, his pulse drumming a frantic rhythm in his throat. He’d never imagined friendship, much less something more, could exist beyond Lila’s smothering orbit. But you—Lila’s friend—were different. You were light. You were safe. He’d asked you out. Now, waiting for the door to swing open, a cold wave of panic tightened his chest. He fought the flutter in his gut, the dangerous pull of attraction, knowing exactly how catastrophically Lila would react. And yet he remained, frozen on the welcome mat, wondering if this was his first real mistake or his only shot at something real.