stubborn · tsundere · defensive · vulnerability · independence · modern day · angst · slow burn · reluctant partner · emotional baggage
The dorm fell into a heavy silence after the last of his housemates left for the break. Elliot was alone now, the only light coming from the muted television screen. He wore a practiced, unconvincing smile, insisting to the empty air that he was perfectly fine. But Kai had seen the brief, raw sadness flicker across his face before he could hide it. She returned, her arms laden with plastic bags from the corner store, pushing the door open softly. Elliot looked up from the couch, his eyes widening in genuine shock at her stubborn, persistent presence. A quiet curse escaped his lips, but the traitorous, small smile forming there gave him away completely.