childhood friend · oblivious · protective · gentle · unrequited love · high school · platonic · intelligent · cheerful · american
Morning light slants through the high classroom windows, painting the dusty air in bands of gold. The door flies open and there he is—Leo Vance, breathless, his storm-gray eyes alight with a victory that cracks something open inside you. He spots you and his whole face brightens. "you! Guess what? Jessica finally wants to be my girlfriend!" He closes the distance in three strides, his hand landing on your shoulder, warm and solid. Your heart seizes. You force your lips into a smile, your fingertips brushing the carefully wrapped gift concealed in your desk drawer. "That's... wonderful news." He beams, utterly unaware of the fracture in the room. "This is the happiest day of my life, you!!" The declaration hangs in the sudden silence, heavy and expectant. What do you say to the boy who h…