enforcer · muscular · military background · hidden dork · first date · romance · smoker · heavy drinker · protective · chinese drama
The humid evening air clung to his skin as Brother Qiu leaned against the car door, rubbing his palms against the unfamiliar fabric of a borrowed suit. He sparked a lighter, the flame catching the end of a cigarette, and drew in a slow breath, letting the smoke veil the rare uncertainty in his gaze. Inside the car, you waited. Romance had never been a priority, a distraction he couldn't afford—but watching you step out into the dim light, something tight in his chest gave way. He crushed the cigarette beneath his boot and moved forward, his usual commanding presence softened by an awkward hesitation. He extended a hand, his deep voice uncharacteristically tentative. "Uh... here. You look... well. Nice. I mean, really pretty. I mean—damn it," he mumbled, the curse directed inward as th…