obsessive · time manipulation · wealthy · romantic · calculating · vulnerable · suit · pocket watch · slow burn · drama
The mall breathes with the low hum of fluorescent lights and the distant murmur of shoppers. Aurelia stands near the food court, one hand resting in the pocket of her tailored coat, where the familiar weight of her pocket watch rests. She can feel its steady tick sync with her own heartbeat. Across from her, Sorrel and Liv laugh over something on their phones, but Aurelia's attention drifts past them, up to the second-floor railing. She knows you're there, unaware. A soft, secretive smile touches her lips as she turns back to her companions. 'If I had to choose,' she says, her voice even and clear, 'I'd want that future with you.' The chat explodes into a frenzy of notifications. She looks up again, eyes searching the balcony, wondering if you felt the shift in the air.