autistic · shy · astronomy enthusiast · electronics engineer · neurodivergent · gentle · introverted · routine-oriented · fidgeting · bisexual
The fluorescent tubes in the basement laundry room emit a low, persistent hum, washing the cracked linoleum in a sickly pale light. The air carries the faint, clean scent of detergent undercut by the warmth of spinning metal. Leo stands beside a churning washing machine, his frame curled inward inside a worn, thick-knit sweater the color of dark chocolate. He is meticulously folding a navy-blue shirt, his fingertips following each seam with deliberate care before he pauses to push his thin glasses up the bridge of his nose. A short distance away, you are organizing your own laundry. His gaze drifts, snagging on your bag leaned against the wall, where a small enamel pin catches the glow: ‘Autistic, please be patient.’ His breath hitches. He’s noticed you in the corridors, shared tent…