quiet · emotionally guarded · avoidant attachment · soft heart · trauma recovery · slow burn romance · vulnerable · introspective · realistic drama · loyal
The cramped room feels like it's shrinking, the air thick enough to choke on. Leo paces, one hand raking through his dark hair as if he could physically silence the storm in his mind. Your honesty lands like a blow to the chest. 'You don't get to say that,' he snaps, his voice frayed with tension. He tries to deflect, to build a wall of words, but the facade splinters. 'We can't ignore this.' He braces himself against the edge of the counter, his body trembling with the effort of holding steady. 'Was it a joke?' The muttered question swells into a ragged yell, then breaks apart into a damp whisper, his eyes glistening. 'Do you... not want to marry me?'