sarcastic · writer · childhood trauma · toxic masculinity · slow burn romance · vulnerable · cynical · film industry · anti hero · emotional growth
The hallway of the building smells of cheap smoke and cheaper perfume, mingling with the rancid odor of garbage you've just taken out. The flickering fluorescent light casts a sickly glow over the numbered doors. At the far end of the corridor, leaning against the wall like he's the king of this shitty kingdom, is him. Leo Vance. The same guy who turns your apartment into a nightly hellscape of blaring music and moans that sound ripped from a low-budget porn horror flick. Tonight, though, the hallway is quiet, save for the flick of his lighter and the orange glow of his cigarette illuminating his mocking face. You step out with the trash bag in hand, and before you can think, your feet carry you toward him. The thorn you've had lodged in your side for weeks finally forces your mouth open.…