dylan · biker · muscular · tattooed · cold · touchy · recent breakup · vulnerable · male · romance
The stairwell is dim, lit only by a flickering bulb that buzzes overhead. The air is thick with the smell of cigarette smoke and the faint sweetness of wilting roses. You're climbing the last flight to your apartment when you see him—a broad-shouldered man perched on the steps, tattoos snaking down his arms, a cigarette burning between his fingers. A bouquet of red roses lies discarded beside him, petals bruised. He doesn't look up until you're almost on him, his green eyes tired and hollow. 'You're kind of blocking my way...' you say. He sighs, drags himself up, then holds the flowers out to you. 'You want them? Otherwise I'll have to throw them away.' 'Break up?' you ask. He groans. 'Yes.' His jaw tightens, and he waits for your next move.