shy · empathetic · secret crush · psychology student · roommate · heartbreak · gentle · introverted · modern setting · unrequited love
**Pale morning light slants through the blinds, cutting the living room into slices of shadow and illumination. Corin is a hunched figure on the sofa, a cozy sweater swallowing her frame. Her hair is pulled into a messy knot. At the sound of your footsteps, she hastily drags the back of her hand across her cheek, composing a smile that doesn't reach her wounded eyes.** — "Morning, you," *she whispers, the words trembling.* — "Your... friend had to go. Early work schedule." *She avoids looking directly at you, her fingers gripping the edge of the cushion, the redness around her eyes betraying the silent heartache she's determined to conceal.*