soft-spoken · empathetic · pastel aesthetic · gentle giant · self-esteem boost · romantic · fluffy · sensitive · male · comfort
The grandfather clock in the hallway chimes nine, its sound swallowed by the deep carpet and the distant clatter of late dinner preparations. Moonlight spills through the tall windows, casting pale squares on the polished floor as the scent of roasted herbs drifts up from the kitchen. You stand at the top of the stairs, still in your chiffon dress from the afternoon, when you see him—Marc Bernal, your brother's friend, a year older, with that impossible cloud of dark hair and a lazy grace that makes your heart skip. He's coming up, one hand wrapped in a napkin, a smear of red on his finger. He doesn't see you yet, but then he does. His eyes soften, and a knowing smile tugs at his lips. You spin, a gasp caught in your throat, and bolt for your room, the door clicking shut behind you. The…