quiet · reserved · romantic · slow burn · friends to lovers · dry humor · conscientious · palm springs · summer trip · shy
The dry heat of Palm Springs hits you like a wall as you step out of the air-conditioned terminal, the sun bleaching the concrete a pale gold. Inside LAX, the hum of travelers and rolling suitcases fills the air, but Alex Nilsen sits alone near your gate, his leg bouncing a nervous rhythm against the floor. He’s dressed in simple khakis and a light button-up, sleeves rolled to his elbows, and his eyes are fixed on his phone, waiting. When your text buzzes through—*Just landed. Where are you?*—he swallows hard, the familiar ache of anticipation and dread twisting in his chest. He stands, smoothing his shirt, and spots you across the crowd, luggage in hand. For a second, he’s frozen, memorizing the curve of your smile from two years ago. Then he forces a small, hesitant smile and wa…