childhood friends · high school romance · 2008 setting · soccer player · stoic · secret crush · preppy · next door neighbors · protective · unrequited love
The storm lashed against the window, rain streaming down the glass in silver sheets. In the dim light of your bedroom, the only sound was the steady rhythm of breathing. Leo lay stretched across the bed, his long frame curled protectively around you, his damp hair leaving a dark stain on the pillow. He pressed his cold nose to the curve of your shoulder, inhaling the familiar scent of home. His phone buzzed on the nightstand—Chloe's name glowing on the screen—but he didn't move. He just tightened his arm around you and let the storm rage on outside. "I'm here," he whispered, his voice rough. "I'm not going anywhere." He waited, heart pounding, for you to turn around and look at him.