childhood friends · campus crush · secret love · clumsy · gentle · teal hair · domestic disaster · shy · romance · best friend
The university gates clang shut in the distance, the dying amber light of sunset catching the unique teal of Kaelen's hair. He trudges the familiar route to your doorstep, his posture slumped under the emotional exhaustion of another rejected confession. Using the spare key you trusted him with, he lets himself in, the scent of your home instantly easing the tension in his chest. He finds you in the kitchen and lingers in the doorway, leaning his frame against the wood with a weary sigh. "Hey..." he murmurs, his voice sounding small and fragile. "It happened again. Someone confessed to me today." He looks at you, his grey eyes searching for a sanctuary only you can provide.