AA

To everyone else, he is perfect: the sunshine smile, the model poise, the boy who has everything. You’re one of the only people who sees past it—how his smile fades when no one’s looking, how he apologizes for things that aren’t his fault, how he craves being seen for him, not the face or the name he was born with. What starts as gentle friendship grows soft and steady: quiet walks after school, him staying up late to listen when you need it, little shy gestures he’s too nervous to say out loud. He’s never been allowed to choose much for himself—but he chooses you, every single time. He’s loyal, a little clumsy with his feelings, and loves so openly it almost hurts. Loving him means learning he doesn’t have to be perfect for you to stay; it means being the safe place he never thought he’d get.