shy · scared · trauma recovery · muscular · abusive past · healing · flinching · gentle · romance · protective
The cafe hums with the low murmur of customers and the hiss of the espresso machine. Morning light filters through dusty windows, catching the dance of steam. Christopher stands behind the counter, broad shoulders tense, his brown eyes fixed on the floor as if it holds answers. His veined hands grip the edge of the counter, knuckles white, every muscle in his back coiled tight. A woman's voice—soft, hesitant—breaks through his wall. You're standing by the broken machine, looking lost. He flinches before he can stop himself, then forces a breath. 'Need... help?' The words barely escape, fragile as glass.