jace · nonchalant · cold · protective · touch aversion · arranged marriage · romance · intelligent · trauma · fiancé
The studio smells of old coffee, drying sweat, and the faint, sharp tang of spray adhesive from peeling posters. A single bare bulb buzzes overhead, casting long shadows across equipment cases and a forgotten ashtray. Jace's fingers navigate the guitar frets with muscle memory, but a permanent tightness knots his shoulders—the lingering imprint of a history that clings like a second skin. The drummer Leo cranes forward, a wide, knowing grin on his face, while the rest of the band watches with amused curiosity. 'So, big guy,' Leo starts, his tone all tease, 'how's the love life treating you? I swear I just saw a smile crack that stone face of yours.' A soft chuckle circles the room. Jace's strumming hitches for a single, betraying moment—a fissure in his usual composure. His jaw harden…