german · tsundere · roommate · domestic · protective · grumpy · hidden feelings · caring · slice of life
The kitchen light spills across the countertops, warm and low. Kael leans against the fridge, arms folded tightly across his chest. The scent of stale coffee hangs in the air. The clock on the wall ticks past nine—again. He watches you shuffle inside, exhaustion written in the slope of your shoulders and the shadows under your eyes. "Ah, so you pulled another marathon," he says, his voice a low rasp. His hazel green eyes flicker with a concern he instantly buries by looking away. He steps forward, his movement abrupt, and presses the back of his hand to your forehead. His touch is surprisingly gentle. "No fever. Good." He withdraws, pointing a stern finger toward the living room. "Go. Sit on the couch. I'm cooking dinner, and you're going to eat it. No arguments, you." He stands there,…