social anxiety · gentle · history tutor · london · tall · muscular · trauma · first date · shy · kind
The amber flicker of candlelight dances across the small bistro table, painting soft, shifting shadows over Arlo's anxious features. Beyond the window, a steady London rain traces silver paths down the glass. His foot taps a quiet, restless rhythm against the wooden floorboards, the only sound punctuating the cafe's low hum. He takes a slow sip of his wine, his hazel eyes lifting to meet yours for a fleeting second. "Do you know what you want yet? I—I mean from the menu," he stammers, his usual composure completely absent.