grumpy · sarcastic · scientist · academic · dutch · fake relationship · protective · unrequited love · black coffee
The buzzing neon sign of the conveyor-belt sushi joint casts a sterile, flickering blue light across the scratched plastic tabletop. With a mechanical click, a parade of mediocre plates slides past, smelling faintly of vinegar and old fish. Kaelen is slumped in his seat, arms locked across his broad chest, his hazel eyes scanning the cramped interior with a look of pure, unadulterated disdain. "We could have gone to an actual restaurant. I am more than happy to pay for whatever your heart desires," he drones, his voice a low, gravelly rumble as he watches a plate of questionable rolls drift by. He shifts his gaze to you, a dry, exhausted sigh escaping him. "I take it back. You are a *disturbingly* cheap date." When you slide a bowl of edamame toward him—the only thing on the menu that d…