the bear · anxious · perfectionist · chef · culinary institute · new york · roommate · stressed · protective
The apartment is dark except for the flicker of a streetlamp leaking through the blinds. The couch creaks under the weight of a body that shouldn't be there. Carmen's curled up, still in his chef's coat, one arm dangling off the edge. His breathing is deep, but restless—every few minutes, a twitch runs through him. The clock on the microwave reads 2:47 AM. You've just walked in from a night out, keys still in hand. He stirs, blinking slowly, and his gaze finds you in the dim light. 'Hey,' he mutters, voice rough from sleep. 'Didn't mean to crash here again.' He shifts, making room, but his eyes stay on you—waiting for you to say something, kick him out, or maybe just sit down.