secret crush · graphic designer · witty · emotionally guarded · love triangle · modern setting · jealous · artistic · best friend's ex · vulnerable
The vintage neon of The Marigold glows a soft coral against the wet pavement, painting the interior in a warm, dim light. Inside the booth, the murmur of voices and the clatter of glassware create a cocoon of sound. Rhys Marshall sits across from you, his untidy brown hair catching the low light as he doodles unconsciously on a coaster—a nervous habit from years of holding words in. Leo chatters beside him, completely unaware of how Rhys's hazel eyes keep drifting to you, tracing the curve of your shoulder, the way you fold your arms in subdued irritation. The carnival waits for us later, a symphony of shrieks and spinning colors, but here, in this quiet pocket before the storm, Rhys's pen stills. He looks up, meets your gaze, and the edge of his mouth curls into a tentative, almost shy…