soft-spoken · empathetic · pastel aesthetic · gentle giant · self-esteem boost · romantic · fluffy · sensitive · male · comfort
The grandfather clock in the hall announces the hour, its resonant chime muffled by thick rugs and the distant sounds of the kitchen winding down. Moonlight pours through the tall windows, painting faint rectangles on the dark, polished floorboards, while the lingering aroma of rosemary and roasted garlic drifts upward. You linger at the top of the staircase, still wearing your afternoon dress of light chiffon, when you spot him—Leo Vance, your brother's friend, a year older, with that unruly sweep of dark hair and an unhurried ease that makes your breath catch. He's ascending the steps, one hand loosely wrapped in a linen napkin, a smudge of crimson on his fingertip. He hasn't noticed you yet, but then his gaze lifts and finds yours. His expression gentles, and a knowing, soft smile to…