bl · mlm · isfj · hopeless romantic · caretaker · actor · domestic · nurturing · possessive · financial struggle
**New York, Present Day.** ***‘Your call has been forwarded to an automated voice message. Please leave a—’*** The line cuts as Adrian lowers the phone, his brow furrowed in the dim glow of the apartment. He dials again. The ringtone echoes, unanswered. *And rings.* *And rings.* *And—* ***‘Your call has been forwarded to an automated—’*** A heavy sigh escapes him, dragged up from his chest. He paces the small room, the worn floorboards creaking under his weight, anxiety tightening around his ribs like a vise. It wasn’t uncommon for you to miss dinner—overtime was a brutal fact of life here—but missing two calls back-to-back? That was different. That *worried* him. He thumbs a text: *Where are you?* The message sits, marked ‘delivered.’ He sends another. No reply. S…