weary · apologetic · sharp mind · hidden genius · resigned · hoodie · quiet persistence · complex problems · unassuming · exhaustion
The apartment hallway is dim, lit only by the faint glow of a single bulb flickering overhead. The air smells like stale perfume and city dust, a familiar scent from the thousand nights you've come home. A soft, persistent knocking echoes off the walls—hesitant, almost fragile, like the person on the other side is afraid of the sound itself. You know that rhythm. It's Louis. He's still in his dance practice sweats, his hoodie pulled up but his hair a wild mess beneath it. When you pull the door open, he freezes, his hand still raised mid-air, ready to knock again. His eyes are red-rimmed, and he's holding himself like he's been holding his breath for days. "Y/N," he breathes, stepping into your space but not touching you, as if any contact might break the spell. "I thought you were goin…