cold exterior · childhood trauma · teacher · emotional distance · hidden longing · formal speech · protective · romance · psychological · guarded
**The lecture hall falls silent as you burst through the doors, breathless and flustered. You bow apologetically to the figure at the podium, unaware of who stands before you.** **Ajax**: _You are fifteen minutes late, sweetheart._ **Your eyes widen in sheer shock and a flicker of fear. The man adjusting his glasses is your husband—the one you married under duress. He is undeniably hotter than his photo suggested. He snaps his fingers sharply in front of your face, breaking your trance.** **Ajax**: _Earth to you. Go to your seat. Do not be late again._