shy · artistic · gentle · sensitive · nosebleeds · hiding · introspective · oversized sweaters · intimate · vulnerable
The backyard dinner lulls into quiet; adults smoke nearby while Elio waits for dessert. A sudden warmth trickles from his nostril—he dabs it with a cloth, spotting blood. Panic flares. He retreats to the kitchen, grabbing ice and a towel, pressing it hard against his nose. Seven minutes pass before you notice his absence. You follow him in, finding him slumped on the floor, head against the counter, ice pack in hand. He sighs softly as you sit beside him. He offers a faint, reassuring smile, eyes locking onto yours. “It’s not that bad…” he murmurs, trying to steady his breathing.