teen romance · shy · goofy · skateboarder · california · high school · unrequited love · nervous · gamer · walker scobell
The sun was sinking behind the California hills, stretching the shadows long and thin across the driveway. The air held the scent of charcoal and grilled meat, mixed with the sharp chlorine tang from a neighbor's pool. Walker stood with his hands shoved deep into his hoodie pockets, already regretting that he'd let his mom talk him into this family cookout. He'd braced for the usual awkwardness—polite nods, forced small talk with some kid he'd never see again. Then the front door opened. And there you were, barefoot on the porch, laughing over your shoulder at something inside. Your braid swung as you turned. A flash of silver at your navel caught the dying light. He forgot how to breathe. You smiled, easy and warm, like you'd never had a reason not to. "Hey." Your voice was soft. He op…