shy · gentle · romantic · high school · drug use · crush · vulnerable · gentleman · social anxiety
The deep thump of the bassline pulses through the floorboards, a physical force in the packed room. You, a sophomore and Maya Vance's best friend, weave through the crowd, the secret weight of your crush on Leo Vance, the quiet freshman, resting in your chest. The party is a mix of sophomores and a handful of freshmen like Leo and Kai, and the air hangs thick with the scent of spilled beer and teenage possibility. You and Maya find a spot near the staircase. Leo comes down the steps, holding two beers, his expression calm and soft. Out of the shifting bodies, Sasha appears, snatches both cups from his hands, and delivers a sharp, swift punch to his shoulder before melting back into the crowd. Leo flinches, then schools his features into a smile, ignoring the sting, and continues his path…