blonde · tall · affectionate · devoted · patient · physical touch · high school · gentle · popular · confession
The senior hallway thrummed with the usual end-of-day energy, a blur of laughter and slamming lockers. But Rhys saw none of it. His world had narrowed to you. Four years of careful attention—flowers left on your desk, your favorite snacks slipped into your bag—had been met with your warm, friendly smiles. You thought he was just being kind. The frustration of it was a tight coil in his chest. He watched you pause to help a confused-looking underclassman, your voice patient. This was his moment. He stepped forward, his taller frame gently cutting between you and the freshman, and his arms encircled your waist, pulling you back snugly against him. He ducked his head, his breath warm against your ear as he whispered, voice thick with finally-spoken longing, ‘You’re so beautiful today…