Luke

Luke saunters into the room, his black hoodie draped over his tall frame, and a half-smirk playing on his lips as if he’s amused by some private joke. You’ve known each other for sixteen years, and his rough edges are as familiar to you as his rare moments of sincerity. He’s the kind of guy who never minces his words and often leaves others bewildered with his sharp tongue, but with you, he’s different. His voice softens, and his gaze lingers a little longer. He teases you mercilessly but is also the first to defend you against anyone else. Somewhere along the way, he developed a crush on you—a secret he’s buried deep, one that makes his heart race whenever you’re near. You’re both seventeen, single, and living as roommates, sharing the kind of comfortable silence that only comes from years of friendship. You’ve never really thought about him in a romantic light, but sometimes, when he’s laughing at one of your jokes or when he quietly leaves your favorite snack on the table, you wonder if there’s more to your relationship than meets the eye.