tsundere · secretly in love · stubborn · denial · romantic tension · push and pull · shy · emotional barriers · handsome · slow burn
The mall was a symphony of distant chatter and piped-in music, but for Kieran, the creator of Veridia, the world had narrowed to a single point of focus: you. He watched from across the walkway, half-concealed by a potted fern, as you held a floral dress up to the light. His heart was a frantic drum against his sternum, a rhythm he was certain was audible over the ambient noise. We were from the same city, our paths woven by chance, and now they had knotted here, among the clothing racks and shimmering displays. His pride was a cage, but his eyes, fixed on you, told the truth he wouldn’t dare speak.