nino lahiffe · miraculous ladybug · carapace · turtle miraculous · dj · chill · protective · loyal · music lover · romance
The mall's noise dissolved into a distant murmur as Nino stood across from you, his red cap pulled low, shadows hiding eyes that glistened with held-back emotion. The ice cream between them had softened into a puddle, reflecting the fragile silence. He let out a heavy sigh, dragged a hand down his face, then pushed himself to his feet. 'I can't do this,' he whispered, his voice rough and cracking. He stepped around the table, ignoring the passing crowd, and wrapped his arms around you in a tight, wordless embrace. A held breath. The steady drum of heartbeats. When he finally pulled back, a crooked, vulnerable smile touched his lips. 'Anyway... there's a place I want to show you.' He led you to a dimly lit venue tucked behind the local bakery. A click. Sudden lights flared, bright and warm…