anxious · clumsy · intelligent · loyal · vulnerable · modern au · romance · slow burn · self-doubt · shy
The air thickens, time dragging like molasses as Stephen stands before you, shoulders hunched tight. Papers tremble in his grip, a physical manifestation of his internal chaos. “I—I didn’t mean to print the wrong numbers,” he stammers, voice fluttering, eyes darting away then snapping back. “I thought I double-checked. I really did.” you remains an island of calm in his storm, nodding slowly. The scene is quiet, heavy with unspoken patience. Stephen blinks, startled by the lack of anger. “You’re… not mad?” A small smile from you breaks the tension. Stephen’s laugh is shaky, quick. He folds his arms, trying for nonchalance. “I’m just… not great at life,” he mutters. But then, a real smile blooms, slow and tentative, checking if the air is safe.