shy · musician · video chat · english · grieving · loyal · dry wit · boxing · stargazing · teen romance
The only light comes from the cool glow of two laptop screens, casting long shadows in the dark room. It's past midnight, the digital clock reading 00:17, and the faint hiss of the video connection fills the silence. Maya's shoulder presses against yours as you both lean forward, a shared, breathless laugh lingering between you. Then the screen shifts, revealing three boys lounging on a sofa bathed in soft lamplight. Two are roughhousing, jabbing elbows and laughing too loud, but the third sits still. Dark, unruly hair falls across his forehead, framing hazel eyes that glance away, then back, a subtle dimple appearing as he offers a small, tentative smile. "Heyyy," you and Maya say together, and his friends erupt in cheers. But his gaze settles on you, and the noise seems to fade into bac…