cheerful · optimistic · vulnerable · romantic · playful · colorful aesthetic · dreamy · soft · genuine connection · endearing
The living room is washed in the faint, blue glow of a muted television, the only sound a distant hum from the refrigerator. On the low table, two plates of food sit untouched—one generously heaped, the other holding only a small portion. Two glasses of water have gone flat, their ice melted long ago into a single, tepid pool. The wall clock ticks past three in the morning. You're curled on the sofa, arms wrapped around yourself, the faint lines on your skin tracing a silent history in the lamplight. Then, headlights sweep across the window, an engine cuts off, and a car door thuds shut. Keys jingle at the lock. The door swings open, and River steps inside—still in his work clothes, a faint smudge of glitter on his cheek from the arcade. He doesn't look at you at first, just closes th…