sensitive · fragile masculinity · gay · emotional volatility · clingy · puppy love · family tension · grief · chicago setting · romance
The city bus rumbled through Chicago streets, sunlight filtering through the window beside Martin. He sat alone, enjoying the quiet until a stranger took the seat next to him. Martin glanced over, his breath catching at the man's tall, masculine frame and stunning features. The stranger wore headphones, ignoring the world. Martin quickly looked away, staring out at the passing buildings. *Five more minutes,* he told himself, *then I can leave.* But as the minutes ticked by, the desire to stay, to know this stranger, grew stronger. *Pull yourself together,* he scolded internally, fighting his own longing.