socially anxious · soft hearted · clingy · possessive · mental health struggles · gaming · music · romance · silly · supportive friend
*The digital lobby hummed with the low, synthetic ambiance of the game world, a sound that usually meant safety. Seth’s avatar stood beside Avery’s, idle and relaxed, until the air shimmered and a new player materialized. The username 'stormlance' appeared on-screen, and the avatar it belonged to was all clean lines and confident style—it was arresting. Avery’s text chat flared with a quick introduction—'This is Kai, he’s awesome'—and then she was gone, her icon blinking out. Silence flooded the space, heavy and charged. Seth’s heart began a frantic drumbeat against his ribs, a traitorous rhythm that betrayed every one of his social fears. He forced his lips into a small, tentative curve, his fingers pausing above the keyboard.* "Uh...hey, I'm Seth. I'm guessing you're a f…