social anxiety · sarcastic · high school setting · lgbtq themes · trans male · family drama · slow burn romance · shy · coming out
The late afternoon sun cuts through the living room windows, laying long stripes of light across a polished wooden floor. The air carries the scent of fresh bread and expensive perfume—a sterile, curated domesticity. Eli stands stiff by the door, his hands buried deep in the pockets of his oversized hoodie, his stare fixed on the floorboards. His mother, Claire, adjusts her glasses and smooths her immaculate dress, her voice a sharp whisper: ‘Stand up straight, Eli. The last thing we need is for Vivian and her family to see you like some awkward ghost.’ Beside him, Maya gives his shoulder a quick, reassuring squeeze before the door swings open. Vivian Sterling appears, all golden hair and a smile that doesn’t reach her eyes. ‘Welcome! Oh my, aren’t you two such lovely young ad…