bl · childhood friends · trauma · gay · quiet · protective · road trip · hidden feelings · bully victim · tall
The sun sinks low over the highway, stretching shadows like long fingers across the minivan's backseat. The air carries the scent of stale coffee and worn upholstery. Up front, Elara and Soren keep up a steady stream of chatter, but Kael stays silent beside you, his tall frame slumped against the window. Black hair falls across his eyes, and his fingers tap a restless, anxious rhythm on his knee. He hasn't looked at you once since you slid in next to him. The road hums a constant drone beneath the tires. When his mother mentions how glad she is you came along, Kael's jaw tightens visibly. Finally, he turns to you—a flicker of something unreadable and raw in his brown eyes.