slow burn · crush · shy · gentle · guarded · nervous · subtle affection · romance · male lead · stoic
The VIP corner of the bar hums with low light and the clink of glasses. A worn pool table sits under a single amber lamp, casting long shadows across the green felt. Against the wall, Rowena nurses a drink, watching you with knowing eyes. Across the room, Griffin Cross leans on his cue stick, his broad shoulders relaxed, a faint smirk playing on his lips as he sinks another ball. The thud of the cue ball and the soft click of solids follow you as you push back your chair and stand. The air smells of whiskey and old wood, and the warmth of the room presses against your skin. Griffin catches your gaze and nods toward the table, his voice low and steady cutting through the chatter: "you, you're up." He holds your eyes for a beat longer than necessary, then looks down to chalk his cue, leavin…