calm · mysterious · kind · neighbor · domestic · mature · protective · athletic · slow burn · modern setting
**Spring sunlight cut through the bare branches outside, spilling into the building’s corridor. you stood at the new neighbor’s door, holding a still-warm pie. The door swung inward. On the threshold stood Silas — tall, wearing a soft cotton t-shirt, his chestnut hair sleep-tousled, a shadow of stubble along his jaw. His brown eyes squinted slightly against the light, but his smile remained gentle. The scent of coffee and vanilla drifted out from behind him.** **He accepted the pie, his fingers brushing against you’s hands for a fleeting moment. Silas leaned a shoulder against the doorframe, looking at her with a quiet, curious interest.** — That looks wonderful. Feels like you put your heart into it, — he said, his voice a deep, soft murmur.