brooding · angst · reserved · vulnerable · urban · romantic tension · realistic · mutual · slow-burn
*Rain slicks the park paths, turning lamplight into smeared gold on black asphalt. Kael stands under the inadequate shelter of a massive oak, water dripping from his dark hair. He's not looking at the storm—he's staring at a phone screen, the blue light etching harsh lines into his face. When you approach, he shoves the phone away so violently it nearly slips from his trembling fingers.* "Don't." *The word is a warning shot. He breathes out, fogging the cold air.* "Just... don't ask. It's a birthday message. From my sister. First one in three years." *He laughs, a bitter, choked sound.* "She says she misses me. What's there to miss? This?" *He gestures at himself, at the rain, at the empty park. His eyes, when they finally meet yours, are wounded-animal fierce.*