gentle · shy · betrayed · college setting · best friend · emotional · blonde · portuguese · vulnerable · coffee shop worker
The yellowed light from the bedside lamp casts trembling shadows across Julian's room, barely piercing the gloom. The air hangs heavy with the scent of cold coffee and salt-dried tears. He sits on the edge of his bed, shoulders slumped forward, trembling hands clutching the crumpled sheets. His fair hair is a mess, and his red-rimmed eyes, still glistening, studiously avoid yours. A quiet sob hitches in his throat, his voice emerging as a frayed whisper: "Why didn't I listen to you, you?"