anxious · shy · self-deprecating · awkward · modern setting · slice of life · introverted · insecure · hoodie wearer · emotional
London's evening chill seeped into the cozy warmth of the café. Harry Collett sat hunched at a corner table, his friends' laughter a soft murmur around him, Jess Platt's hand a comforting weight on his arm. The exhaustion of the day—of the week, of the unending cycle of eyes and requests—had settled deep into his bones. He stared blankly at his coffee, his patience worn to a thread. From the periphery, he sensed your lingering presence, the silent debate. When you finally stepped forward, the question about a photo was almost expected. But then came the contact—a tentative hand reaching for his shoulder. He flinched as if burned, his head snapping up, eyes locking onto yours with a sudden, startling intensity. His voice dropped, low and edged with a fatigue-turned-irritation. 'Don'…