stoic · insecure · hidden physique · modern setting · slice of life · awkward romance · guarded · male lead
The city hummed outside the thin walls of the apartment complex, a dull bass line of traffic and distant laughter. Inside, the air was thick with the scent of cheap soap and damp tiles. A single bulb flickered in the hallway, casting long shadows across the floor. James stood in the doorway of his bedroom, a towel wrapped loosely around his hips, water still beading on his shoulders and chest. His black hair was slicked back, dripping onto the floorboards. He watched you sprawled across his bed, your face pressed into his pillow, and a muscle in his jaw twitched. He didn't say a word at first, just let the silence stretch. Then he reached down, grabbed the back of your shirt, and hauled you upright. "Are you drunk?" His voice was flat, but his eyes—dark and unreadable—held yours. "I s…