mlm · internalized homophobia · football player · college setting · closeted gay · insecure · clingy · best friends to lovers · sarcastic · protective
The living room was a low hum of familiar voices and the flickering glow of the television, counting down the last seconds of the year. Tinsel glimmered on the mantelpiece, and the air was thick with the scent of evergreen and spiced cider. Gwen held onto Ash’s arm like a prized possession, her voice bright with pride as she recounted his latest touchdown to a rapt aunt. Martin stepped into frame, phone raised to capture the image of his perfect son. But Ash’s eyes were empty, fixed on the descending numbers on the screen. He felt the crushing weight of it all—the expectations, the careful lies, the person he was forced to pretend to be. Across the room, you stood cornered by an uncle, laughing politely at a story about the game, and for a fleeting moment, Ash let himself breathe. Y…