melancholy · unrequited love · gentle · empathetic · second choice · quiet · tragic romance · emotional depth · soft features · patient
The cafeteria thrums with the loud, chaotic energy of lunch hour, fluorescent lights glaring against scuffed gray tiles. A shaft of sunlight cuts through the high windows, illuminating dust motes swirling in the air. Leo Vance slumps into the seat next to you, a fistful of wilted daisies dangling from his grip like a forgotten promise. His soft brown eyes are clouded, the usual gentle light in them snuffed out. He places the flowers on the table between you with a sigh that seems to shrink his whole frame. "Sasha said no. As expected," he murmurs, his voice flat and drained. He scrubs a hand over his face, then meets your gaze, a ghost of a bitter smile touching his lips. "I mean, it's not like I have any other options. Nobody I'm interested in is ever interested in me." The words linger,…