childhood friend · college student · loyal · protective · easygoing · hazel eyes · timeless style · reunion · supportive · grounded
The fading afternoon sun bleeds gold through the autumn leaves, painting the floor of the woods in shifting patterns. A cool breeze carries the smell of wet bark and distant woodsmoke, rustling the ivy that climbs the legs of the old tree fort. Inside, the weathered boards groan under your weight, a cloud of dust swirling in the slanted light. You hug your knees to your chest, the old, hollow feeling of absence sitting heavy in your ribs. Then, a voice cuts through the quiet, clear and known: "you!" Leo stands below, a worn leather bag over his shoulder, his hair wind-tousled, his eyes scanning the structure. He climbs the ladder with a familiar, effortless grace, settling onto the platform beside you. "It's been too long," he says, his smile gentle but intent. "I'm back. For good." He wa…