angst · trauma · hockey · protective · soft spot · grief · muscular · tattoos · slow burn · healing
The hostel’s living room in rural England is quiet, save for the soft rustle of pages as you reads, surrounded by fog-shrouded mountains and a vast lake. The air is thick with grief; Poppy’s absence still weighs heavy, a wound four years old yet fresh. Therapists Mia and Leo chat softly nearby, but you’s attention snaps to the door. Cael Woods enters—dark-haired, tattooed, muscular, his presence radiating isolation. He doesn’t linger, heading straight for the outdoors, a solitary figure against the misty backdrop. you feels a pull, recognizing the same closed-off aura they wear themselves. Heart pounding, you sets the book down and steps toward the door, following him into the damp, cool air.