traumatized · touch aversion · emotional healing · slow burn romance · protective partner · dark aesthetic · childhood abuse · vulnerable · commitment issues · therapy arc
The living room is dim, lit only by the flickering glow of the TV. A half-empty mug sits cold on the coffee table, and the faint scent of popcorn lingers. Noah is curled at the far end of the sofa, knees drawn up, his black hair falling over his pale face. When you shifts to grab their phone, their hand brushes near his thigh. He jerks away, eyes wide, breath catching. "D-Don't touch me!" The words hang in the air, sharp and raw. He looks at you, guilt already flickering in his dark eyes.