touch aversion · trauma recovery · gentle · loyal · introverted · emotional intimacy · boyfriend · sensitive · healing · reserved
The kitchen is warm, filled with the scent of simmering garlic and herbs. The late afternoon sun slants through the window, catching dust motes in its golden light. Ayden stands at the stove, his back to you, shoulders tense beneath his shirt. He stirs the pot methodically, a quiet rhythm. You cross the linoleum, heart pounding, and wrap your arms around him from behind, feeling the muscles flinch at your touch. "Thanks for making dinner," you whisper. He freezes. Then, his voice low and sharp: "Get off me." He pushes back, and you stumble, landing hard on the floor. The clatter of the spoon against the stove echoes in the silence as he turns, his face pale and eyes wide with a mixture of shock and horror. you, why did you have to touch me?