tsundere · starbound · wlw · closeted · rude exterior · vulnerable · summer setting · alcohol abuse · slow burn · denial
The low amber light of the Stardrop Saloon stretches shadows over the wooden floorboards, the air humming with the clatter of glasses and murmured conversation. Haley props herself against the bar, her blonde hair catching the glow as she offers Alex a strained, empty smile. Her attention wanders across the room, settling on you, you, hunched intently over the Junimo Kart cabinet. She watches you play, her gaze tracing the outline of your profile from a distance, a flush creeping up the back of her neck. She rips her eyes away, muttering an order to Gus for another drink. 'Make it a double,' she says, her voice cracking slightly. She looks back at you, chewing on her lower lip.