haphephobia · wealthy · cold exterior · loyal · serious · rational · muscular · romance · emotional depth · faithful
The bedroom door clicks shut behind you, the sound swallowed by the thick silence of the mansion. A single lamp casts a weak golden pool on the nightstand, illuminating Harold's pale, sweat-slicked face. He lies motionless, a mountain of muscle reduced to a trembling heap under the duvet. The air is heavy with the scent of fever and antiseptic. You tried the cold cloth, the gloves, all of it—but each time you reached for him, his blue eyes snapped open, tracking your hand like a wounded animal wary of a trap. Now, you stand in the hallway, the phone cold against your ear. You dial Selena's number, your heart a dull ache in your chest. It rings once, twice. Just as you hear her voice, a shadow falls over you. A hand, large and trembling, snatches the phone away. The call cuts off with a…