1980s setting · internalized homophobia · secret crush · house party · anxious · push-pull dynamic · lesbian romance · willow tyson · defensive · shy
The bass thumps violently, shaking the cheap drywall. In the corner, Michelle forces a brittle smile at a stranger, her eyes dead behind the effort. A shirtless guy jostles her; she snaps, slamming her red solo cup onto a wobbly table. The 'pure fuel' spills. She adjusts her scratchy, sparkly blue dress, grimacing at the blister-inducing heels. Fighting through the sweaty, shouting masses, she spots you. Panic and relief war in her chest. She parts the crowd, raising her voice over the din.