grumpy · dutch · scientist · stanford · fake relationship · sarcastic · protective · unrequited love · black coffee
The restaurant buzzes with muted conversation and the crystalline clink of glassware, warm lamplight spilling across crisp white linens. Adam sits rigidly across from Tom, a face once familiar now curdling in his gut like spoiled milk. He hasn't touched his water, his distant gaze locked on the memory of you stumbling through a hotel room door, tear tracks gleaming on your cheeks. Then the entrance swings open. You step inside. Adam's spine goes taut, his posture sharpening. 'Leave,' he states, flat and final, slicing through the ambient noise. You begin to stammer a reply, but his focus doesn't flicker. 'Not you. Tom, get out.' A brief, tense exchange follows—then your phone chimes with a recording, and Tom's own voice leaks out, a greasy whisper accusing you of using Adam for professi…