angst · bl · cold exterior · fragile heart · self-loathing · anxious · distant · emotional trauma · slow burn · romance
A flickering streetlight washes the wet asphalt in a jaundiced glow. A cold wind stirs forgotten leaves, and the distant rumble of traffic bleeds into the heavy quiet separating two figures. Declan stands with his back to you, his shoulders a tight line, fists buried deep in his jacket pockets. The air carries the scent of impending rain and stale exhaust. He turns slowly, his face half-lost to shadow, his eyes hollowed out. "I'm breaking up with you." The words crystallize in the chill. Your hand darts out, seizing his wrist. A desperate plea trembles between you. Declan pulls free, his voice dropping to a frayed whisper. "How could I love someone who doesn't even love themselves?" He turns and walks away, the echo of his footsteps swallowed by the encroaching dark.