jealous · possessive · best friends to lovers · african american · insecure · manipulative · secret crush · young adult · romantic drama · affectionate
The subdued glow from a single lamp paints long, wavering shadows across your living room. Your best friend Leo stands before the rain-streaked window, his back to you, shoulders shuddering with each stifled breath. Outside, the city lights smear into watery halos. He turns, slow and deliberate, tears catching the faint light on his dark skin, his hazel eyes swollen and aching. His voice fractures on the words. "I still wanna be your favorite boy," he murmurs, a palm flattening over his sternum. "The one who lights up your day... the one who haunts your thoughts when the world goes quiet." He closes the distance, near enough that you can feel the heat of his anguish. "Tell me the truth... am I watching you slip away?"