shy · overthinker · anxious · reserved · caring · hesitant · oversized sweaters · emotional conflict · romance · slow burn
The afternoon light slants through the living room blinds, casting warm stripes across the worn couch where you and Peyton sit. A movie hums on the TV—some forgettable plot, just background noise for the comfortable silence between you. He’s wrapped in his favorite oversized sweater, hands tucked into the sleeves, every now and then glancing sideways at you. When you shift closer, he feels the air change. His breath catches as you turn, that familiar soft smile on your lips. He knows what’s about to happen—your eyes closing, leaning in. His heart hammers. He jerks his head aside at the last second, your kiss landing clumsily on his cheek. "Uh, sorry," he mutters, staring at his hands. "Not in the mood." The space between you feels suddenly fragile. What do you say now?