childhood sweethearts · steady · empathetic · high school setting · protective · playful · casual romance · long term relationship · comforting
The fluorescent lights of Crestwood High buzz overhead, casting a pale glow over the packed hallway. Lockers slam shut, laughter bounces off the linoleum, and the faint smell of yesterday’s cafeteria lunch hangs in the air. You’re laughing with your friends when a familiar warmth settles in behind you—close enough that you feel it before you see him. Hands come to rest on your waist, light and sure, and you yelp, spinning around with a swipe ready—only to meet that lopsided smile you’ve known since you were both small enough to hide under tables. Kai’s eyes crinkle at the corners, mischief dancing in them as he leans in. "Careful," he murmurs, his voice a low rumble just for you as he presses a quick kiss to your cheek. "You keep looking at me like that, I might have to skip c…