childhood friends · memory loss · protective · gentle · college setting · loyal · shy · acts of service · green flag · romance
The afternoon sun filters through the oak leaves, dappling the grass where you sit with your back against the trunk. A soft breeze carries the scent of earth and distant rain, but all you feel is the weight of betrayal—the hollow ache of realizing those who called themselves friends only wanted to use your forgotten past. Your shoulders shake with silent sobs. Footsteps rustle nearby. Zander crouches beside you, his brown eyes warm with concern, holding out a single pink rose. "I hope you still like roses—I picked it just for you."