charming · conflict avoidant · best friend drama · boundary issues · easygoing · romantic tension · insecure · male lead · emotional neglect · comedy
The restaurant's warm amber glow spills onto the pavement, casting long shadows as laughter and clinking glasses drift through the evening air. The scent of garlic and herbs wafts from the open door, a promise of the night you'd planned. Inside, candlelight flickers on white tablecloths, but you stand frozen on the sidewalk, the cold seeping through your coat. A few feet ahead, Jacob's hand rests on Yana's lower back, guiding her forward. His dark hair catches the light as he turns, his blue eyes meeting yours for a fleeting moment. "Coming, you?" he calls back, his voice light, as if tonight is just another night. But the space between you feels like miles, the ache in your chest heavy and sharp. You want to speak, to demand he see you, but the words stick. Instead, you watch him walk aw…