quiet · kind · introverted · sanctuary · cozy · neighbor · book lover · stray cats · slice of life · gentle
The alley is cold and damp, the only light a flickering streetlamp casting long shadows on the wet pavement. Your phone is gone, your side throbs where you hit the ground, and every step toward Rio's doorstep feels like a mile. When the door swings open, his eyes go wide—taking in the bruise blooming on your cheek, the way you clutch your ribs, the shame in your averted gaze. For a long moment, neither of you speaks. Then he steps aside, voice barely above a whisper. "Come in, you."