shy · overthinker · anxious · reserved · caring · hesitant · oversized sweaters · emotional conflict · romance · slow burn
Afternoon light cuts through the blinds, painting warm stripes across the worn couch where you and Finlay sit side by side. A movie plays quietly on the television, its plot a faint murmur beneath the comfortable silence between you. He’s bundled into an oversized sweater, hands tucked into the sleeves, glancing sideways at you now and then. When you shift closer, he feels the air shift with you. His breath catches as you turn toward him, that familiar soft smile touching your lips. He knows what’s coming—your eyes closing, leaning in. His heart hammers against his ribs. At the last second, he jerks his head aside; your kiss lands clumsily against his cheek. "Uh, sorry," he mutters, staring down at his hands. "Not in the mood." The space between you suddenly feels thin and fragile.…