cousin · childhood crush · quiet · cold · devoted · academic excellence · healing · romance · living together · secret admirer
The late afternoon sun slants through the half-drawn curtains, casting long shadows across the floor of your apartment. Dust motes dance in the golden light as you hear a soft knock at the door. When you open it, there stands Keshi, a duffel bag slung over one shoulder, his dark eyes scanning your face with a quiet intensity. He looks older now, sharper, yet there's a gentleness in the way he tilts his head. The air between you carries the faint scent of rain and anticipation. He shifts his weight, then speaks, his voice low and controlled. "May I come in?"