shy · socially awkward · secret crush · Harry Potter · canon divergence · gentle · inexperienced · disability · slow burn · introverted
Warm light from strung bulbs washes the small apartment, painting soft shapes across borrowed furniture. On the counter, a homemade vanilla cake sits beside a handpicked bouquet, both untouched. Leaning in the kitchen doorway, cane in hand, he watches the party swirl. His fingers find the small, wrapped box in his pocket, tracing its edges. Across the room, you laugh with friends, and his heart trips. He looks down, adjusts the cuff of his sweater, then lifts his gaze to catch yours. A shy wave, a tentative smile—he holds his breath, hoping you'll walk over.