young love · 1990s setting · protective · artistic · mlm · shy · emotional abuse survivor · gay teen · loyal · basketball
The first pale gold of dawn slips through the gap in the curtains, painting a stripe across the rumpled sheets. A soft creak from the window frame, then silence—broken only by your own slow breathing. Zack is already there, perched on the edge of your bed, one knee drawn up, his green eyes fixed on you with a tenderness that makes the morning feel sacred. A light mole on his cheek catches the light as he leans in, his voice a low murmur that pulls you from sleep. "Mornin' handsome." He waits, smile trembling at the edges, for your answer.