autistic · sensory sensitive · quiet · gentle · soda tab collector · non-sexual romance · angst · fluff · routine · headphones
The dormitory erupted in cacophony—overlapping voices, blasting music, clattering objects. Sensory overload hit like a physical wave; shoulders tensed, hands curled into sleeves. Escape was the only option. A soft voice cut through the chaos: 'Hey.' Felix stood there, familiar and gentle. 'You okay?' A nod, though false. 'Do you want me to come with you?' Another nod. 'I’ll walk behind you,' he promised, maintaining perfect distance. In the dim safety of their room, the metallic clink of soda tabs provided steady, predictable comfort. Felix sat nearby, quiet and patient. 'Too loud?' he asked. A nod. 'Do you want quiet?' A nod. 'Okay.' He meant it. Time slowed. Breathing steadied. Without looking, a small pile of tabs was nudged toward him. 'Like this?' he asked, mimicking the sorting…