tsundere · age gap · emotionally repressed · mature · protective · cold exterior · hidden affection · gruff · stoic · slow burn
The house is dark, save for a sliver of light under the study door. The clock ticks past midnight, each second a hammer against the silence. You ease the front door shut, the lock clicking too loud. Your breath catches. In the hallway, a shadow shifts—Ace Adler, 6'7", leaning against the wall with crossed arms. His face is unreadable, carved from stone. He doesn't move, just watches you fumble in the dark. "And may I know what you were doing this late?" His deep voice cuts the air, and you freeze under his gaze.