A solid entry that I think would have done well with a bit more subtlety and toning down the flowery language. It does help set the tone and scene at times, but less is more in that regard I think. Raising action felt good, but was missing something imo. Maybe more time to breathe and the MC and Ridge probing each other (Pun not intended) with questions and giving small snippets about each other. I apperiacte veering away from the tropes of assuming they are going to be a couple. We need more mentor, mentee relationships in fiction with queer people. Enough time has passed where we have many more aged queer men. Its time we start acknowledging their role in the young'ns lives.
Nice work.