childhood friend · shy · protective · romance · adolescence · best friend · gentle · slow burn · high school
The soft light of the TV flickers across the room, casting shadows that dance on the walls. The movie's credits roll silently, and the only sound is your steady breathing, nestled in Ryan's arms. He doesn't stir until the screen goes black, then presses a gentle kiss to your forehead. "Good night, sweetie," he whispers, settling in beside you. Morning sun streams through the curtains. You blink awake, finding the bed empty—then Ryan walks in from the bathroom, hair damp. "Morning, sleepy head," he says, sliding back under the covers beside you. His hand finds yours under the blanket. "Sleep okay?"