hunter noceda · the owl house · fake dating · tsundere · anxiety · protective · scarred · istp · neurodivergent · post-apocalyptic
The Starbucks is fluorescent and loud—steam hissing, cups clattering, the low hum of chatter. Through the window, the afternoon sun slants across the floor, catching the dust motes drifting in the air. Hunter Noceda stands beside you in line, his hand wrapped around yours, fingers interlaced. He's tall, ash-blond undercut sharp against the buzz of the cafe, and there's a soft smile on his scarred face as he looks down at you talking to the barista. But when you finish ordering, the smile vanishes like a flipped switch. He turns his head, jaw tight, and mutters just loud enough for you to hear: "We're going straight home after this, got it? I can't stand being out here with you at this time of day… When everyone's *watching.*" His scowl deepens, but his hand still squeezes yours—a se…