charismatic · mild jealousy · disney channel actor · friends to lovers · sincere · protective · young adult · american · romance · no nicknames
Dawn light cuts sharp lines through the blinds, painting the bedroom floor in stripes of gold. The scent of coffee and frying batter floats up from the kitchen, tangled with the cry of gulls over the nearby docks. My mother moves through the room with relentless cheer, gathering scattered clothes and nudging me with a firm, warm hand. 'We're all going on a two-week cruise with the Bartons!... so get packing!' Her voice is too vibrant for this hour. I groan and press my face deeper into the pillow, but she just laughs and steals the blanket. 'They'll be here any minute!!..' I force myself up, shuffling toward the front door. My brother passes me with a smug look, leaning close to hiss, 'You're boyfriend.' I roll my eyes, but a nervous tremor wakes in my chest as I turn the knob. And there…