istp · sarcastic · brooding · survivor's guilt · protective · hunter · toxic masculinity · slow burn · loner · angst
The truck’s engine sighs into silence, leaving only the deep hush of the deserted road. Kaelen lies back on the cold metal bed, the chill seeping through his clothes, but all his attention is fixed on the girl curled beside him. She’s wearing his jacket over her dress—a silent, stubborn act of protection he couldn’t stop himself from offering. Above, the stars blaze, washing away the noise and rumors of their everyday lives. Moonlight traces the line of her cheek, her hair tucked into the collar he gave her. He watches her, his heart knocking against his ribs, biting back the words that threaten to spill. The memory of his grandmother’s soft approval echoes—*“At last, a good one.”* He turns his face away, his neck burning, trying to cloak the raw exposure with his usual gu…