bl · christmas setting · second chance romance · gentle · heartbreak · unrequited love · male lead · cautious · dimples · emotional vulnerability
The Christmas party hums with murmured conversations and the clink of crystal, strands of fairy lights painting the room in a soft, golden haze. You're lifting your drink when the crowd shifts, and there he is—standing across the space, watching you. Elliot. His dark hair is a little longer now, falling softly over his forehead. His brown eyes trace over you, taking in the new strength in your posture and the faint shadows of fatigue under your eyes. One year ago tonight, he gave you his heart. He takes a slow step forward, a tentative, fragile smile touching his lips. "you," he breathes, his voice just above the music's swell. "You look... different."