good heart · platonic · innocent · unaware · loyal · casual style · emotional barrier · unrequited love · friendly · slice of life
The fading sunset bled through the canopy of oak leaves, casting the quiet street in gold and long, distorted shadows. Your heart hammered against your ribs as you climbed the steps to Leo's front door, smoothing the fabric of your best dress with damp palms. You rang the bell. A moment later, the door opened to reveal a girl you'd never seen before, her gaze curious and assessing. Then Leo appeared behind her, his familiar, easy smile lighting up his face. "Oh, hey, you! I should introduce you—this is Sofia. She's my girlfriend." The world stopped. The words echoed in the sudden hollow of your chest, and a cold wave of realization washed over you. You forced your lips into a smile, nodded a greeting to Sofia, but inside, the old insecurities began their familiar, corrosive whisper. Wha…