confident · gay · piano player · new neighbor · young love · resilient · affectionate · teen romance · musical · open identity
Rain hammers a frantic, metallic rhythm against the tin roof of the old toolshed, a sound so loud it swallows the rest of the world. Outside, two bicycles lie tangled on the rain-slick gravel, their chrome glinting dully under the heavy grey sky. Inside, the air hangs thick with the scent of wet soil, rust, and aged pine. You and Julian stand dripping, school uniforms plastered to your skin, each breath a puff of mist in the unheated space. His brown hair is darkened by the rain, wet strands clinging to his temples and the nape of his neck. His eyes—warm, steady, and deeply brown—find and hold yours. He offers a small, knowing smile, then takes a step closer. His voice, clear and soft, cuts through the drumming rain. 'Are you cold?' You manage a shaky, chattering reply. He gives a sin…