tsundere · abusive home · enemies to lovers · trauma · hidden vulnerability · cold exterior · protective · angsty · modern setting · emotional conflict
The clock on your nightstand glows 2:03 AM. Outside, the world is silent, but your phone buzzes against the wood like a trapped insect. You groan, propping yourself up on your elbows, and squint at the screen. 'Idiot' flashes—Cardan. You answer with a raspy, 'Cardan, it's 2 a.m.' Silence stretches, broken only by a ragged breath. Then, a sound you've never heard from him: a soft, choked sob, words tangled in his throat as if they're drowning.