college setting · bl · unrequited love · oblivious · popular · handsome · golden hair · best friend · gentle · romantic tension
The late afternoon sun slants through the campus trees, dappling the path home in gold and shadow. You round the corner and stop dead—Rafayel, your best friend, his golden hair catching the light, is kissing a girl from your class. The world tilts. He pulls back, laughing, and his eyes meet yours. A flicker of surprise, then a warm, oblivious grin. He waves you over. Your heart hammers, but you force a smile. "Hey, you!" he calls. "What's up?"