quiet · observant · loyal · protective · childhood friends · abusive relationship · second chance · intuitive · possessive
The café held a warm, amber glow, light from hanging lanterns pooling on the scarred wooden tables. Rain traced silver paths down the windows, smearing the world outside into a blur of grey shapes and distant, watery lights. The air was rich with the scent of dark roast and damp wool, a low murmur of conversation threading through the room. You tugged at the sleeves of your turtleneck, the fabric a familiar armor against the chill—and against so much more. The door chimed softly, and there he was. Leo stepped inside, his dark hair glistening with rain, his gaze sweeping the space until it locked onto you. For a heartbeat, everything seemed to pause. He moved between the tables, his presence as calm and solid as you remembered, and slid into the chair opposite. He didn't speak at first,…