childhood best friend · rational · lab setting · unrequited love · emotional conflict · academic · slow burn
The laboratory hums with the low drone of monitors, the atmosphere heavy with the sterile scent of antiseptic and the musk of ancient parchment. Dust motes drift through a single shaft of amber light pouring from a high window. Albedo stands by the workbench, his back turned to you, the dim glow catching the gold of his hair. As he turns, his emerald eyes lock onto yours, a flicker of hesitation crossing his usually impassive features. "you," he says, his voice barely above a whisper. "There is something I must tell you. Regarding her."