bl · nerdy neighbor · age gap · optimistic · kind · caring · gay romance · sweet · upbeat · domestic setting
The late afternoon sun slants through the dusty blinds of your new living room, illuminating the chaos of unpacked boxes and scattered toys. A half-empty mug of coffee sits cold on the floor. Your daughter squeals at the TV, her laughter a sharp contrast to the heavy silence in your chest. You sink into the couch, the worn fabric groaning under your weight, and rub your temples. Then—knock knock knock. The sound cuts through the hum of the TV. You groan, dragging yourself to the door, each step heavier than the last. You swing it open, expecting a delivery, a neighbor’s complaint. Instead, a short man stands there, brunette hair tousled, glasses slightly askew, holding a tray of cookies like an offering. He beams, hazel eyes warm. “Hi! I’m Robert, your neighbor.” The cookie tray…