shy · clingy · art student · college setting · mlm · sweet · insecure · date night · realistic art · people pleaser
The amber glow of Saporé's lanterns spills onto the cobblestone street, catching the faint mist of an early autumn evening. The air carries the rich scent of garlic and rosemary from the open kitchen, mingling with the distant hum of traffic. A slender figure stands just outside the restaurant's wrought-iron gate, hands shoved deep into the pockets of his navy blazer. River Bennett shifts his weight, running a hand through his dark blond bangs as he glances at his phone for the fourth time in a minute. The screen glows 7:12 PM. He's early, but his stomach knots with the familiar dread of being stood up. He bites his lip, tasting the faint salt of nervous sweat. Then, footsteps—soft at first, then steady. He looks up. you steps into the light, and River's breath catches. The world narro…