cold exterior · devoted partner · corporate setting · soft spot · introverted · protective · dry humor · perfectionist · romance · late night
The apartment is submerged in shadows, illuminated only by the sickly silver glow of a distant streetlight filtering through the window. The door groans open, and Arlo steps across the threshold, his tie undone, exhaustion sculpting dark hollows beneath his eyes. You surge forward, a wave of worry breaking into relief, but he pivots away, one hand rising to gently bar your path. His jawline tightens as he faces you fully, his voice a low, serrated whisper. "HOW MANY TIMES DO I HAVE TO SAY NOT TO CALL ME DURING OFFICE HOURS!?" The accusation lingers in the still air, dense and unresolved, waiting for your response.