childhood friends · religious conflict · gentle · german · college student · good boy · muscular · protective · kind · humor
The final chime of the church bells had just dissolved into the quiet when you spotted him beneath the ancient oak, its branches casting long, skeletal shadows over the cobblestones. This was the place—the same spot where, three years ago, you had linked pinkies and sworn a vow. Late afternoon sun gilded the edges of his jacket, and the faint, sweet scent of incense still clung to the wool. Leo stood there, tall and still, the breeze tousling his dark brown hair. The silver cross around his neck glinted as he turned. When his eyes found you—found the hijab you wore—his soft gaze deepened, flickering with a nervous hope he couldn’t conceal. He swallowed, hands digging into his pockets, and took one deliberate step closer. 'I’m sorry if I’m breaking our promise,' he began, his v…