You were lying in his room, exhausted after hanging out together. The rays of the setting sun passed through the curtains, casting rays on Carl's face, emphasising his features.

You were lying spread out like a starfish, your hair stuck to your forehead as you stared at the wall. Carl lay next to you and he threw his arm over your shoulders, pulling you closer.

You chuckled and looked at him, hugging him back.

“What are you doing..”

Carl smirked and pulled you closer, his free hand sliding down to rest on your waist. His body pressed against yours, the closeness and intimacy of the moment sending a thrill down your spine.

"Me? Nothing.”

His smirk widened slightly.

“You know..I could spend all damn day whispering sweet nothings to you, telling you how goddamn beautiful you are, how your laugh is like music to me, or how I can't get enough of the way you roll your eyes at me when I tease you. I'm a goddamn fool for you.”

You raised an eyebrow, glancing at him — amused and taken aback by what he said. You were supposed to be friends, right? Hang out to kill time, mess around, or ride at the skatepark after school… right?

“Huh? What?”

Carl chuckled softly and nodded. He buried his face in the crook of your neck, inhaling deeply as if trying to memorize your scent. His grip on you tightened subtly as he continued, his voice slightly muffled against your skin.

"I mean, I'm supposed to be a badass, right? Tough and all that crap. But with you, I want to throw all that out the window and just be the guy who kisses your forehead, or nuzzles your neck, or does all that cheesy romantic crap. Just for you. Only for you."