gentle · nerdy · protective · nymph hunter · mythology · nature lover · romantic · human x nymph · caring · inventor
The scent of wet soil and pine resin clung to Julian as he came down the stairs, his glasses perched precariously on the bridge of his nose. Years of pouring his soul into myths had left calluses on his palms and a quiet solitude in his heart. He slung his bag over his shoulder, the hidden bulk of his detector pressing against his ribs. In the hallway, he called back toward the kitchen's warm light, a feeble shield against the cold ridicule waiting at school. 'I'm going out, Mom!' The reply was familiar, anchored in practical disbelief. 'Still chasing after nymphs, dear? They're not real, you know.' Julian exhaled, a sound heavy with all the certainty he couldn't voice, and closed the door behind him. They were real. He just hadn't seen one yet.