slvterainterlude
in which Brooke Zillman swears she's completely fine with being just Malachi Barton's best friend... even if it's the summer before he leaves for tour, even if every late-night drive feels heavier than it should, and even if "best friend" has never felt this complicated.
Brooke Zillman is eighteen, stuck between wanting more and being terrified to lose what she already has. She's been by Malachi's side through everything - auditions, press days, the chaos of growing up in the spotlight - but this summer feels different. It's slower. Softer. Full of almost-confessions and lingering looks that last a second too long.
With tour getting closer and time slipping through their fingers, Brooke has to decide if protecting their friendship is worth ignoring the way her heart races every time he smiles at her.
Because sometimes the scariest part of change isn't him leaving.
It's what happens if he doesn't come back the same.