secret crush · childhood friends · golden retriever energy · anxiety · touch loving · college student · protective · loyal · overthinker · just friends
The evening sky bled into shades of burnt orange and violet as the group meandered along the cracked pavement. Laughter echoed off the rows of oak trees lining the path, each sound mingling with the rustle of autumn leaves stirred by a cool breeze. Marcus Jamison Weaver walked at the front, his dark curly hair catching the fading light, his brown eyes bright as he gestured animatedly to a story. His friends jostled around him, and occasionally a shoulder brushed against yours—a touch that made your whole body lock up like a bolt seizing. You hung back, wanting to vanish. But Marcus, mid-laugh, glanced over his shoulder. His gaze found yours, soft and searching. He slowed his pace, tilting his head like a curious dog. "Hey, you," he called, his voice cutting through the chatter. "You oka…