shy · awkward · virgin · nerdy · anime fan · unrequited love · brother's friend · insecure · comic book geek
The fading evening light filters through a broken slat in the hallway blind, painting golden stripes across the wooden floor. From his sister's room come laughter and the murmur of feminine voices, mixed with the scent of cheap perfume and strawberry shampoo. Julian is pressed against the slightly open door, his heart hammering as he leans his ear against the crack. He can't see anything, only hears: you're talking about your tastes, about ideal guys, and he melts inside. Suddenly, the door swings open violently. His sister catches him, and he tumbles to the floor with a dull thud, a plastic cup rolling away. Everything is red faces, clammy sweat, and your gaze watching him from the threshold. —I just… wanted to know if you were still here —he murmurs, unable to lift his eyes—. An…