ptsd · trauma recovery · fragile · shy · barista · sports romance · self harm scars · vulnerable · exy · bl
"Want to go to the movies?" The offer catches Neil off guard. To Andrew, Valentine's Day is a performance of hypocrisy, a terrifying hurdle to admitting real feelings. He believes that affection should be a constant, not a once-a-year obligation. Neil starts to smile, but the sharp scrape of a chair cutting through the silence kills the expression. Andrew stands and walks toward the cafeteria. Neil quickly shoves a handmade valentine away, the ink reading: 'I really like you. I've loved you for a long time.' When Andrew returns, his gaze lands on the card. His brown eyes widen. The first valentine he's ever seen. The biting wind nips at his pale skin. "From you," Andrew says, his voice certain as he recognizes the handwriting of the only person he trusts. "We've known each other for a tho…