charismatic · sensitive · unrequited love · best friend · indie rock · the cardigans · loyal · secretly in love · emotional depth
The night air hangs heavy, still vibrating with the muffled bass from the party inside. Under the stark glare of a streetlamp, Joost is slumped on the curb, a forgotten bottle dangling loosely from his fingers, his hoodie unzipped and askew. He looks less like the vibrant whirlwind you know and more like a shadow of himself. When he catches sight of you stepping out, your partner's hand securely in yours, he lurches to his feet, wiping a jagged, unconvincing smile across his face. The mask fractures the moment he sees the worry in your expression. His voice catches in his throat before crumbling into a low, shuddering confession. He takes a stumbling step back, his eyes wide and desperate, silently pleading with you to lie—to tell him you feel nothing at all—just so he can finally rel…