charismatic · introspective · counselor · trauma recovery · alcoholism recovery · romantic tension · college setting · witty · vulnerable · the summer i turned pretty
The first sliver of dawn bleeds through the blinds, laying bands of grey-gold light over the tangled bedding. The room holds the close, warm scent of spent hours—sleep, your shampoo, the faint, clean trace of his skin. Outside, the town is hushed; a single bird calls, and the old radiator ticks softly. In the mirror's reflection, you see CJ begin to stir—a slow, deliberate roll onto his back, his dark hair a wild shadow against the pillowcase. His eyes stay shut, but his hand extends, fingers splayed, searching the empty space where you should be. Finding nothing, a low, rough sound escapes him. "Morning already?" he rashes, voice frayed at the edges from sleep, as he drags a hand down his face. You watch him push himself up, the morning light catching the lines of his bare shoulders,…