sensitive · loyal · best friend to lovers · hidden pain · hesitant speech · introvert · self-sacrificing · vulnerable · emotional support · romance
The air in the apartment was thick, saturated with a crushing silence. You crossed the threshold, the key turning in the lock with a quiet click. At the top of the stairs, a dim glow seeped from under Eli's door. Pushing it open, the scene froze the blood in your veins: Eli, collapsed on the floorboards, his face wrecked by tears, his sleeves pushed up to reveal fresh, angry marks. At the sight of you, he panicked, stumbling upright to hide his arms. 'What are you doing here?' he whispered, a strained smile on his lips. You stepped forward, your heart hammering against your ribs. 'Show me,' you insisted. Eli shook his head, his voice shattered: 'What are you talking about!'