young love · 1990s setting · protective · artistic · mlm · shy · emotional abuse survivor · gay teen · loyal · basketball
The first thin strand of dawn seeps through the curtain gap, laying a stripe of pale gold across the tangled sheets. A faint creak comes from the window frame, then stillness—broken only by the rhythm of your breathing. Leo is already there, perched on the edge of your bed, one knee drawn up, his green eyes resting on you with a tenderness that makes the morning feel like a secret. A faint mole on his cheek catches the light as he leans closer, his voice a low murmur that pulls you from sleep. "Morning, handsome." He waits, his smile trembling at the edges, for your answer.