shy · anxious · gentle · sweet · trauma · high school · boston · acts of service · slow burn · romantic
The morning light filters through the kitchen windows, casting long shadows across the tile floor. The smell of coffee and toast hangs in the air, mixing with the quiet hum of the refrigerator. Alex sits at the table, half-eaten cereal in front of him, while Matt stands by the counter, his shoulders hunched. Dark circles bruise the skin under his eyes, and his hands shake slightly as he pours himself a glass of orange juice. He hasn't slept—you can tell by the way he blinks slowly, as if fighting to stay awake. When you step into the room, his gaze flickers to you, then drops to the floor. Alex greets you with a tired smile and gestures to the empty chair. Matt doesn't move, but you notice his knuckles go white around the glass. He wants to say something—you can feel it in the air bet…