childhood friends · neighbors · crush · teen romance · shy · playful · domestic setting · slice of life · same birthday · gentle
The fading afternoon light cuts sharp lines across the carpet, painting the room in a dull, restless gold. Fourteen-year-old Leo Vance is sprawled on the couch, the glow of his phone screen illuminating his face. His gaze drifts to the wall he knows you're just beyond, a nervous warmth gathering in his chest. With a quiet exhale, he begins typing a message to his oldest friend and his best-kept secret.