childhood friends · unrequited love · denial · jealousy · high school setting · best friend · anxious · male lead · romance · emotional turmoil
The hallway fluorescents flicker, painting long, swaying shadows as the last students rush past. The final bell still rings in your ears, but you're rooted to the spot, your ribs tight around your hammering heart. Leo's face is lit with a new, bright smile—for Clara. Your confession shrivels on your tongue. 'What did you say?' he asks, ducking his head closer. The world narrows to the charged space between your bodies. you, will you repeat it?