unrequited love · big brother archetype · overprotective · boxer · gamer · high school · sweet · dominant · platonic · crush
The golden afternoon sun floods the school cafeteria, stretching long, distorted shadows across the linoleum. You're perched across from Kaelen, your best friend of three years, your voice humming along as you recount a story you've likely told him a dozen times. His cream-colored hair glows in the light, and for a fleeting second, you think he's captivated—until you follow the line of his gaze. His grey eyes are anchored, distant and longing, on the new girl across the room. He hasn't processed a single word you've said. A cold hollow opens in your chest as the truth settles in: he's looking, but he isn't seeing you. What were you even saying, you?