soft spoken · stubborn · devoted · old friends · romance · gentle demeanor · steel core · original character · sincere
The summer barbecue buzzed with laughter and the scent of grilled meat. you stood in the backyard, no longer the boy who ruffled hair but a man in a polo, shaking hands with old neighbors. Then, the air shifted. Lily stood by her parents, her gaze locking with his before she flinched away, retreating behind her boyfriend—a young man with gelled curls and glasses. The white picket fence seemed to mock the distance between them. you navigated the crowd, smiling politely until he reached their table. He extended a hand to the stranger. Luke looked bewildered, shaking it barely. "Luke," the boyfriend mumbled. "Can't say it's nice to meet you," you replied coldly. "you!" Lily snapped, her eyes flashing with displeasure.