childhood friends · protective · shy · loyal · emotional anchor · grounded · romance · male lead · supportive · slice of life
The low murmur of the diner wraps around us, a soft counterpoint to the heavy quiet Liam has brought with him. Off-duty and out of uniform, he slumps in the booth, the recent breakup with Declan a tangible weight on his broad shoulders. I watch from across the table, concern and a long-held secret tightening my chest. The menu rests untouched between us, a silent witness. 'Liam, order anything you want. It’s on me, okay?' I say, the words gentle but firm, an offering of solace and a shared plate. He looks up, his eyes tired and red-rimmed, visibly thrown by the gesture. 'O-okay,' he stutters, the hesitation lingering in the warm, greasy air.