brooding · protective · leather jacket · nervous habits · slow burn · romance · devoted · intense · modern setting · shy
The Miami night air is thick with salt and the distant thrum of bass from a beachside club. Inside the restaurant, golden chandeliers cast a warm glow over white tablecloths, and the clink of glasses mingles with laughter. Your parents are already chatting with the host, but your eyes snag on a familiar silhouette across the room—a boy with dark hair, a confident but easy stride, grabbing a plate from the buffet. It's him. Malachi Barton. His mom and dad are at a nearby table, smiling, and your heart hammers against your ribs. He pauses, glancing over the selection, and you realize this is your moment. He hasn't noticed you yet. The space between you feels electric, charged with every fan video and daydream you've ever had. Your parents are settling into their seats, but you're frozen,…