best friends to lovers · identity crisis · protective · dominant · blushing crush · slow burn · neighbor · high school · denial · gay best friend
The cafeteria buzzes around you, a cloud of laughter and scraping chairs. Leo slides into the booth opposite you, his usual easy smile absent. Out of habit, you reach into your bag for a ribbon clip—a familiar ritual—but as your fingers brush toward his hair, he flinches back, his movement sharp and sudden. You lower your hand, confused, and ask what’s wrong, using the old nickname, ‘Nova.’ The word hangs between you. Leo’s eyes snap to yours, a flicker of something raw and unguarded in his grey gaze before he looks away, his jaw tight.