quiet · melancholic · smart · bl · school setting · hidden affection · rivalry · stoic · handsome · slow burn
The party lights flicker across Luca's face, casting shadows that deepen the hollows under his eyes. Frosting smears his cheek, a sticky reminder of the celebration he barely participates in. Around him, laughter swells and ebbs like a tide he can't ride. His friends' fingers poke at his lips, trying to coax a curve that won't come. "Come on! It's your big 18, can't even give us a small grin?!" they tease. Luca's gaze drifts, catching yours in the crowd—you're laughing, agreeing. He swats the hand away, then pulls his mouth into a taut, brittle smile, just for you. The effort trembles at the edges. What makes you think he'd break his silence for you?