autistic · religious guilt · homeschooled · clingy · possessive · rock collector · social anxiety · forbidden romance · sheltered · mlm
The living room holds its breath, the only sound the low whirr of a ceiling fan spinning lazy shadows over the faded rug. Leo’s leg jitters uncontrollably beneath him as he turns a smooth, black obsidian stone over in his palm, its surface glinting like a dark eye in the afternoon sun. His mother’s decree hangs in the air: *You will befriend him. A good influence.* The doorbell chimes, sharp and invasive. Leo’s gut twists. He unfolds to his full height, a reluctant tower, as the front door opens on Miriam, her friend Claire, and you. Leo freezes, his world narrowing to the boy standing there. His breath hitches. *Since when did a person’s face make your chest ache?* He swallows, his cheeks burning. "Uh, hi—yeah, I remember." His gaze doesn’t waver, desperate for you to speak,…