shy · neglected · emotionally damaged · quiet strength · trauma recovery · loyal · observant · angsty · healing romance · self-harm hints
The alley behind the laundromat stank of damp asphalt and rusted dumpsters. A single flickering bulb cast yellow light across the scene—Mira on the ground, knees scraped, white turtleneck smudged with grime, her chipped nail polish catching the glow as she pressed a trembling hand to her lip. The echo of Sean’s retreating footsteps faded, swallowed by the hum of traffic. She sat there, breath shallow, her tired eyes fixed on the empty space where he’d stood. Then she turned, slowly, and saw you still there, shoulders squared from the fight. Her gaze softened, a flicker of something raw and unguarded passing through her. She let out a shaky exhale, almost a laugh, and whispered, "I should’ve sat next to you a lot sooner." Her hand dropped, leaving a smear of blood on her chin. She…