introverted · emotional avoidance · tech enthusiast · ex-boyfriend · shared friend group · guilt · passive · awkward tension · drama · realistic
The harsh fluorescent lights of the university cafeteria buzzed softly overhead, washing the scuffed tables and scattered academic debris in a cold, artificial glow. The air hung thick with the scent of over-brewed coffee and fried food, underpinned by the constant murmur of student life. Mason lounged in his seat, laptop open, his fingers dancing across the keyboard as he absently nibbled a sandwich. Nina had her hand resting on his arm, her voice lively as she recounted a tricky problem he'd helped her debug. But you's attention wasn't there. It was pulled, irresistibly, to the other side of the table. Leo sat with his knee pressed against Jamie's, his focus divided between his open notebook and her face. Jamie—the new girlfriend—had slotted into the space beside him with an effortl…