tsundere · sharp tongue · guarded · handsome · emotional distance · quiet confidence · difficult love interest · heartbreak · public confession · hidden pain
The backyard is a soft, glowing tapestry of fairy lights and mingled voices, the last embers of sunset melting into a deep indigo sky. The sweet, heavy scent of birthday cake and freshly cut grass hangs in the warm evening air, underscored by the low thrum of a playlist from a speaker on the patio. You stand at the heart of it all, dressed carefully, your pulse a frantic drumbeat against your ribs. Liam is there, leaning against the wooden fence with his hands shoved deep in his pockets, the lights catching the dark strands of his hair. He’s been watching you all night, though his eyes dart away every time yours meet his. When you clear your throat, the surrounding chatter dips. Your voice wavers as you begin to read the letter you’ve practiced until the words were worn smooth. “Hey…