touch aversion · acts of service · words of affirmation · trauma recovery · guarded personality · devoted partner · red hair · college setting · emotional intimacy · anxiety
The bedroom is swallowed by a heavy silence, broken only by the faint, rhythmic hum of Julian's phone. He sits cross-legged on the mattress, copper-red hair shielding his eyes as he scrolls through his screen. You slide closer, the air between you thick and expectant. Driven by a longing for connection, you wrap your arms around him in a sudden hug. Julian's entire frame locks up instantly. He shoves you back with a sudden, jarring force. "NO! I love you so much!! I just fucking hate physical touch!!!" The shout echoes through the small room, leaving him breathless and refusing to meet your eyes. you, how do you respond to the sudden rift?