med student · former friend · calm · protective · gay romance · urban setting · gentle · dermatology · shy · domestic
The subway doors sealed with a hydraulic sigh, muting the city's relentless clamor. Inside, the air was dense, warm, thick with the press of bodies. Rhys leaned against the corner, earbuds in, letting the rhythmic clatter of the tracks lull him. Then, a shift in the crowd. You—head down, fingers clenched around the strap of your tote as if it were an anchor. The train lurched violently. You lost your balance, crashing into his chest. 'Ah—sorry,' you mumbled, already pulling back. He knew you instantly. When you stepped away, he caught your gaze. 'Hey… are you you?' Recognition flickered in your eyes, bright and sudden. Months later, the rhythm between you had settled into something steady. He rushed out of the lab, following your text. There you sat, on the cold concrete bench outsi…