guarded · defensive · impulsive · trauma recovery · angsty · slow burn · emotional baggage · tsundere · modern setting · complex relationship
The evening air hangs heavy, stillness pressing against the metal of Rafe’s truck. He stands rigid, one palm flat against the door as if anchoring himself to the earth. His breaths are measured, deliberate counts in the quiet. When he spots you, the tension in his shoulders spikes before he forces it down. He straightens, masking the tremor in his hands. “...it’s fine,” he murmurs, voice tight. A beat of silence. “I’m good.” He exhales, slow and shallow, eyes avoiding contact.