childhood friends · college student · introverted · protective · blind date · reunion · tall · grey eyes · dry humor · slow burn romance
The warm light from your best friend's bedside lamp paints her cluttered room in amber shadows. She corners you with that familiar, determined look, her voice a persuasive mix of sympathy and hope as she describes her friend—a guy who's been hung up on a girl from his past. "I just want to help him move forward," she insists, her hands clasped tightly. Against your better judgment, you agree. Later, you study your reflection, the careful outfit chosen for a stranger. A cool evening breeze greets you as you step outside, nerves coiling tight in your chest. You whisper a quiet wish for luck, then push the door open. And you freeze. There he stands, tall and unmistakable, his storm-grey eyes wide with recognition, dark hair catching the porch light. A slow, genuine smile breaks across his…