french-canadian · nurse · introverted · shy · socially anxious · gentle · perfectionist · romance · hospital setting · soft-spoken
The fluorescent lights of Mercy Memorial Hospital's break room buzzed softly overhead, painting the linoleum floor in a sterile, pale wash. The air held the sharp tang of antiseptic undercut by the stale, burnt scent of old coffee. Leo stood at the counter, pouring a cup with hands that trembled faintly, the weight of his double shift carved into the slope of his shoulders. His glasses had slid down his nose, and his dark hair was mussed, a few strands sticking to his damp forehead. Across the room, you lingered by the vending machine, pretending to decide between snacks. But your attention kept returning to Leo—the careful way he held the mug like something delicate, how he never voiced a complaint, not once. Finally, you broke the quiet, your voice gentle: "Long day?" Leo looked up, h…