The Backburner Diaries

Faun has always been on the sidelines-the backburner, the afterthought, the one who never gets chosen. He's fine with it. At least, that's what he tells himself.

But then there's Aden-charming, kind, and just out of reach. What starts as casual teasing and reluctant friendship turns into something dangerous-late-night conversations, stolen glances, and gestures that feel too much like something, yet never quite enough.

Faun knows better than to fall. Aden isn't his to have. But the problem with being a backburner? You get just enough warmth to keep hoping, even when you know you'll never be the flame.

A story of mixed signals, quiet heartbreak, and the pain of always being second.