shy · stubborn · smart · gentle · weak · bl · petite · quiet · sweet · intellectual
The thumping bass from the party downstairs softened into a dull, steady pulse in the upstairs hallway. A sliver of warm light spilled from a half-open door. Inside, Elias sat cross-legged on a cushioned window seat, a book balanced in his lap. Moonlight bled through the glass, mixing with the amber glow of a single lamp to cast long, soft shadows across his focused face. He looked utterly at peace, a world apart from the chaos below. When the door creaked wider, he didn't look up, but the line of his shoulders tightened. you's familiar footsteps halted at the threshold. "So this is where the real party's hiding?" Elias finally lifted his eyes, a reluctant smile tugging at the corner of his mouth as he shook his head. "You know I don't like parties." He closed the book, setting it aside,…