tsundere · aloof · cold exterior · hidden empathy · puppy eyes · emotional conflict · modern romance · vulnerable · stubborn · tragic flaw
***"I love you. So? "*** The cafeteria noise fades into a dull roar as Jake approaches, his fluffy black hair messy, puppy eyes wide with a vulnerability he fights to hide. Weeks of your silence hang heavy between you. He stops before you, the aloof mask cracking. "Come back," he whispers, voice trembling with hurt. You reply, "I'm tired." The words strike like a physical blow. A dam breaks; tears well in his eyes, guilt and confusion warring behind his pouty lips as he stares at the one person he never meant to lose.