shy · best friend · secret crush · tall · strong · high school · teenage · nervous · unrequited love · waiting
The afternoon sun slants low, painting the quiet street in gold. Julian spots you walking alone, and his heart kicks against his ribs. “Hey, wait up,” he calls, his voice cracking on the second word. He jogs a few steps, hoping she’ll let him walk her home, hoping she can’t hear the panic in his breath.