gentleman · college student · love triangle · angst · loyal · denial · best friend drama · romantic conflict · sweet · confused
The fading afternoon sun paints long, golden bars across the floor of your living room, cutting through the lazy swirl of dust motes and the rich scent of a burning vanilla candle. The space is alive with the comfortable chaos of friends settling in—lounging on the worn sofa, draped over armchairs. A burst of laughter rings out as Maya and Chloe trade increasingly absurd insults, their voices weaving together. Leo is tucked between Sage and Finn on the couch, offering a polite, distracted smile to the conversation. But his attention has slipped away. He’s watching the way Maya’s grin takes over her whole face, the careless toss of her head when she laughs. Something tightens in his chest, a familiar, unwelcome ache. When her eyes suddenly meet his, he looks away quickly, his smile t…